BUDAPEST: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the mentality of his men who beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League in Budapest, Hungary.

Second-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane gave Liverpool an advantage ahead of a rematch at Anfield on March 10.

“Many expect us to lose again because of the current situation but the players do not let that happen.

“I do not believe in the motivation to prove them wrong, I just think they want us to be in a difficult situation.

“I am very pleased with the performance that led to this victory.

“It was a match we didn’t expect a big win because of the mentality of both teams, but I think we were better for most of the game.

“We forced them to make mistakes and I was very happy with the team’s performance,” Klopp said.

Klopp is also happy to see his goalkeeper Alisson Becker save two Leipzig attempts after making a mistake during the previous Premier League.

“Ali will sleep soundly on the way home! As usual, he helped us a lot,” he said.