Klopp: Oxlade-Chamberlain can improve... like Liverpool

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain enjoyed a night to remember against Genk but Jurgen Klopp is eyeing individual and collective improvement.

Published : Oct 24, 2019 15:05 IST

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's performance against Genk.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's performance against Genk.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's performance against Genk.

Jurgen Klopp believes there is much more to come from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after the midfielder's excellent brace inspired Liverpool's 4-1 Champions League win at Genk.

Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first appearance in Europe's top competition since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2018 semifinal against Roma and marked the occasion in style.

A low drive gave him and Liverpool a second-minute opener at the Luminus Arena but it was his second before the hour that brought the house down.

After collecting Roberto Firmino's pass, Oxlade-Chamberlain unleashed a magnificent shot with the outside of his right foot from 20 yards that went in off the underside of Gaetan Coucke's crossbar.

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah added goals that were similarly easy on the eye before substitute Stephen Odey netted a late consolation – adding up to a scoreline that felt a touch harsh on Genk after they cut through the Liverpool defence frequently.

"An absolutely great moment for him but Ox’s performance was, I would say, exactly like the performance of the team: the goals were great but all the rest could have been better," Klopp told a post-match news conference.

READ | Champions League: Five talking points from group stage round three

"That’s how it is, it’s no problem. The goals were sensational and very important for us. Obviously it was wonderful last Sunday that Adam [Lallana] scored the goal and now Ox has scored two goals which is really nice. It’s absolutely great, a great story."

Klopp confirmed Andy Robertson's second-half substitution was not caused by an injury after the Scotland international endured some torrid moments against Genk winger Junya Ito.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, himself revelled in being back on centre stage in Belgium while praising his teammates for their performance on the night.

"It's nice to be back out there. It's a special tournament to play in. A competition that we all want to grow up and play in one day," Oxlade-Chamberlain told BT Sport.

"Seeing the boys do so well in it last year, then I was fortunate to get back involved on the bench on the big day in the final. Watching the boys bring it home was inspirational and [made it] something that I've wanted to get back to do.

"It's just nice to be back in the starting line-up, trying to put in a performance to help the team. To get a few goals is a bonus."

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