Jurgen Klopp hails defensive brilliance of Fabinho but admits Liverpool lucky to escape unscathed in Amsterdam

Jurgen Klopp cautiously welcomed a clean sheet in Liverpool’s first outing since Virgil van Dijk’s injury, but said he would be ‘dumb’ not to recognise his side was lucky to escape unscathed in their victory over Ajax.

Dusan Tadic was denied by a spectacular goal-line clearance from Fabinho, and former Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen struck the post as Liverpool secured a 1-0 win.

Nevertheless, fears of a defensive calamity in Van Dijk’s absence proved unfounded, with the decisive mishap appearing in the Ajax defence thanks to Nicolas Tagliafico’s own goal.

Asked if the clean sheet was especially significant given the events of the past few days, Klopp said: “It is, but we are not dumb enough to think we did not need a little bit of luck for it because Fabinho needed to make a proper stretch to get the ball from the line and they hit the post, so a clean sheet is one information, but we could have done better. We do not hang the clean sheet too high because there were two situations where we were far away from perfect.

“They had their moments, but on a difficult pitch for both teams, it was really tricky. But we won it and I am completely fine.

“It will not be the front page of our history book but I am really pleased. It was not sunshine football but we wanted three points and we got it.”

Given the apocalyptic visions since Van Dijk’s prolonged absence was confirmed, Klopp could take assurance from being presented with a different defensive dilemma after his trip to Amsterdam.

Having gone into the evening wondering how often he will have to deploy Fabinho as an emergency centre-back, he left the Johan Cruyff Arena wondering which of Joe Gomez or Joel Matip will earn the right to play alongside the Brazilian.

Fabinho was the dominant defender.

“It helps that Fabinho can play the position. He likes it, actually,” said Klopp.

“If I asked him to play right-back I am not sure he would enjoy it as much as centre-half. I am pleased for him. He is gaining confidence, for sure. Even Fabinho can play better. This combination between Joey (Gomez) and Fabinho, I do not think they have played before if I am 100 per cent right. Maybe once. I do not know. They need to get used to each other. They need to get used to the verbal demands of the position. So there is a lot to improve, such as how high or low the line should be at the right moment, or how we act in counter-pressing.”

Klopp acknowledged his side were far from their fluent best - they have played much better in previous opening group games away in the Champions League without a victory - but there were numerous changes in midfield as much as defence.

Jordan Henderson was instructed by medical staff he could only play for 45 minutes, so was introduced in the second half.

Klopp also subbed all of his front three before the hour, suggesting he wanted more energy in the sapping conditions.

"The game became wild and we had to defend with the wingers involved in the defending, so I thought it made sense to use the fresh legs. They (the substitutes) helped a lot,” said Klopp, who revealed Sadio Mane has been recovering from a dead leg. "Xherdan Shaqiri was lively and Takumi Minamino was unbelievable. He is like a machine. It helps when you can make five changes."

Liverpool still clearly missed the class of their No 1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker, with back-up Adrian involved in some nervous moments, especially in the first half.

When Klopp's first-choice goalkeeper returns it will make a huge difference to the backline, even when accounting for Van Dijk’s absence.

“Our weapon is football,” said Klopp before the game when he spoke about how the club will overcome its adversity with injuries.

His Liverpool team has always been as good as any at firing shots. It’s resisting them without his charismatic Dutchman and superb goalkeeper he needs to worry about. The irony of a clean sheet at the first attempt will be lost on no-one.