Arne Slot believes the manner of Liverpool's dramatic win over Everton was an "unbelievable compliment" towards his players' efforts.
The Reds claimed local bragging rights in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner snatching a 2-1 victory.
It was one in the face of adversity for Liverpool, who played without a recognised right-back, while third goalkeeper Freddie Woodman finished the game between the sticks following injury to Giorgi Mamardashvili.
And having conceded so many late goals this season, Slot was delighted to see his side enjoy a welcome reverse in fortune.
"It's been a while since we conceded in stoppage time," he said. "So, at this moment of time, when I see the board going up for extra time, that's not my first thought.
"And when I looked at my players, it was definitely not my first thought, because I think in that spell, we were getting closer and closer to scoring a goal.
"That's an unbelievable compliment towards these players because we've played five games in 15 days, with mainly the same players. To show what they showed is a big, big, big compliment to the mentality of this team."
Liverpool strengthened their grip on fifth place – the final qualifying spot for next season's Champions League – but Slot was more impressed by the way his players "represented" the club.
"In the league, of course, we are far from where we want to be, but we have to accept that situation because we've dropped so many points after playing in Europe," he added.
"I think in the lead-up to this game, it was not as much about the league table, it's also about representing Liverpool.
"It's a privilege to represent this club and, today, they showed what it means to the players to represent this club. And the fans were, as they've been throughout the whole season, a big, big, big support for us.
"To beat them then in the first game in their new stadium after the week we had, is an enormous compliment to everybody involved in Liverpool FC."
wuwailmnpy
0
Slot is an Idiot. Just sack him already.. slot is just anything to save his job
zikcem
0
Lfc players should stop frustrating Isak by not feeding him with the ball as the team’s striker No.9. Other clubs look around for their No 9 to feed him with the ball but Isak is usually left hovering around the pitch in search of the ball. He should be fed with the ball my his team mates the way and manner they feed Gakpo or Ngumoha with the ball. Man City players look around for Halaad No9, Everton look for Beto No.9 and that is why they are always scoring. Are Lfc players deliberately isolating or frustrating Isak? Stop blaming him for non performance please. He loves the club and will like to score for the club and maintain his standard and high quality which made the club to pay such humongous amount of money to get him over.
Lepabdpstu
0
Liverpool need Xabi next season. To watch Writz play under Slot is Shittttt
Sabdeiklmy
0
Did he watch the game?? Played shit!!
Zawbknoruz
0
They didn't deserve to win
sometimes its better to keep quiet when you have nothing meaningful to say
Femcirsyz
0
slot goooo please we seek an tiad with you
Femcirsyz
0
exactly useless manager no plan no tactics just imagine
futiklmopz
0
Sorry Slot, you should go even Liverpool managed to squeeze through for next season’s Champions League. You are just not qualified for the job.
This coach Slot no one like him
Juwabdoprt
2
Useless manager.. we are playing like a team with no game plan
Widbiltz
0
Useless incompetent Slot
neoaeintu
0
l'm just tired of Slot: it's like he's becoming a slogan for failure.
CiknoSuzari
0
Come on Slot.. if the club reallly depending on goal from corner kick it is a relegation battle club. Huge downgrading
Neadenpstu
1
They didn't deserve to win
johbilstu
2
please go, next season don't want to see you anymore
nanadkns
3
Sorry Slot, you should go even Liverpool managed to squeeze through for next season’s Champions League. You are just not qualified for the job.
theols
3
Everyone except you. We know the quality and mentality of the players, but you're yet to prove your mettle at the helm.