Klopp never doubted players' nerves

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted he never doubted his players' nerves as they survived a slight scare against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

James Milner scored a late penalty following a mix-up between Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Alisson which led to Ryan Babel equalising against his former club.

Sadio Mane gave Liverpool the lead at Craven Cottage, and the in-form winger was the man who won the penalty for the Reds in the final 10 minutes.

Image via Goal.com

The win for the Reds ensured they overtook Manchester City, who didn't play in the league this weekend because of FA Cup commitments.

Despite an unconvincing performance from Klopp's men, the German told BBC Sport following the match, that he never once doubted his players' bottle.

Klopp said:

"It was a bit like we are - we started really well, did a lot of good things and lost the rhythm a little bit.

"I'm not the most experienced manager but I've had similar problems after Champions League games - the first-half is a bit rusty.

"We could've finished it off in the second-half but if you do not kill the game at 1-0 up, it's clear something like this can happen.

"I have no doubt about my players' nerves. I always want perfection but it's rare that you get it.

"People will say we should be more convincing in games like this but this is us, we are in the middle of a development, not at the end. How the boys dealt with it was brilliant."