Jurgen Klopp praises Liverpool star despite a draw in his comeback game against Crystal Palace

Jurgen Klopp: (Image Source: Twitter)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was impressed with the performance of their star player Diogo Jota against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday night. Although the game ended in a 0-0 draw, Klopp was delighted with Jota's return as he will be a key addition to the Liverpool attack in the upcoming matches.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Klopp expressed his happiness at Jota’s performance saying,

"I would say really, really good." Klopp, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world, added that Jota can be better and he feels there is plenty to come from the Portuguese player."

“We tried now to build it up slightly but it was a long time. Before that he was injured as well, so he came back from international duty for pre-season, he had no pre-season, he was injured, then he played a few games really good and then he was injured again. So far, it’s a really difficult season for him. Absolutely OK, he can play better of course, but that’s how it is, that’s what we have to go through and that’s what we do,” Klopp said.

Management has high hopes for Jota

The Liverpool forward is yet to score this season, having started just three Premier League matches this edition and coming off the bench in another four. Jota has been sidelined due to hamstring and calf injuries, but management will have high hopes for him following his return as the 26-year-old has excelled in his first two seasons for Liverpool, scoring 34 goals in 85 appearances.

Talking about the game, the Reds were without Darwin Nunez as the Uruguayan forward was ruled out with a shoulder injury he picked up against Newcastle United last weekend. It led Klopp to give Jota his first start since October.

When the scoreline stood at 0-0, Klopp decided to take off Cody Gakpo for midfielder Stefan Bajcetic in the 84th minute. However, the former German player's decision to bring in Bajcetic did not go well with Liverpool fans as many expressed their disappointment on social media.