Jürgen Klopp remains grounded despite Liverpool’s stellar display at Palace

Jürgen Klopp was adamant Liverpool are not “over the moon” after a 7-0 victory at Crystal Palace ensured the champions will be top of the table at Christmas.

Klopp was able to rest and rotate his front three on a day when Liverpool inflicted Palace’s record home defeat. But he remained determinedly low‑key, focusing more on the fact Liverpool now have a clear run at the league unhindered by midweek European games.

“Everything is pleasing, everything is good,” the Liverpool manager said. “In the first half we competed well and played with good counterattacks, top finishing, top football keeping the ball in the right way.

“It was really difficult to play against us and they all brought their finishing boots – that’s the reason for the result.

“I am happy absolutely because it was a top game but at a time like this it makes no sense to be over the moon about something. The problems and challenges don’t get smaller.

“For the first time now in what feels like ages we don’t play on Tuesday immediately again.

“Crystal Palace felt a little bit how hard it is to play Wednesday night and Saturday at 12.30pm again. It was tough for us as well, so I don’t think about being top of the table or whatever. We are just happy we won the game and now we have more time to recover than we ever had before this season, and we have to use that in a smart way, and then West Brom is waiting with Sam Allardyce and the next proper challenge is there.”

For Roy Hodgson the post‑match formalities were more like a wake. The Palace manager was “devastated” and “very, very sad” after the heaviest defeat of his career. He put the scoreline down to the decision to chase the game from 3-0 at half‑time, rather than trying to keep things tight against opponents who were insatiable in their appetite to keep on scoring.

“There’s really nothing I can say, we’re humiliated by the result. There’s no way round that, we’re taking it badly. Most of us in the dressing room have never been on the end of 7-0.

“Frankly, I can’t think of anything polite to say. We have to get over it, and learn some lessons.”