Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk were left with mixed feelings after Liverpool defeating Atalanta but still being eliminated from the Europa League.
The Premier League side faced a tough challenge in Italy on Thursday night after enduring a remarkable 3-0 loss in the first leg at Anfield.
The Reds have a history of making impressive comebacks under Klopp and Mohamed Salah’s early penalty gave them significant hope.
Liverpool were dominant for most of the match but were unable to score the goals needed to recover, leading to their elimination from the Europa League in the quarter-final stage.
Klopp commented: ‘It was evident we created a significant obstacle for ourselves. I really liked the game tonight with the determination and strength the boys displayed. It was incredible from them.
‘It was really challenging and at times we were too impatient. We secured the victory we aimed for. It was tough and we were aware it would be, but they completely deserve to advance.
‘We need to concentrate on the league, and that is exactly what we will do from now on. Tonight we won the game, so we are back on the winning track.
‘We have a few days to recover before facing Fulham. It will be a different game, but it will be challenging.’
Liverpool captain Van Dijk, on the other hand, stated: ‘Firstly, credit to Atalanta. Last week we were very poor and they played well. They deserved to progress because we made it far too difficult for ourselves.
‘Tonight was a good game, and we showed great determination. It was an improvement, but the truth is we are out and we need to quickly recover and travel to London on Saturday.
‘We made an effort and had opportunities. At times we were too eager to get the second and third goals. But overall, it was not enough. We are disappointed to be out of the competition as we genuinely wanted to win.
Liverpool, who claimed the League Cup earlier in the season, still have the chance to finish Klopp’s final season at Anfield with a double as they are competing in a close race for the Premier League title.
The Reds are currently third with six games remaining, tied on points with Arsenal and just two points behind defending champions Manchester City.
Looking ahead to Liverpool’s return to domestic action, with the Reds visiting Craven Cottage to take on Fulham on Sunday, Van Dijk added: ‘We won tonight and kept a clean sheet, so there are many more positives we can take. Yes, it’s disappointing to be out, so we need to get back up.
‘We have experienced tough moments together, so demonstrating maturity and unity is crucial. And being professional to be prepared for Sunday, as that will also be a tough game.
‘We all have a responsibility to be physically and mentally prepared. We need everyone now for the final push in the league. Hopefully, our fans will be there because we need them now more than ever, as anything is still possible.’
