Arne Slot insisted that he refused to get excited despite Liverpool making it seven wins out of seven in Europe and securing a top two finish in the league phase of the Champions League.
His side beat Lille 2-1 to confirm their place in the last-16 of the competition, where they will be seeded and face one of the eight sides that make it through the February's play-offs.
'We're happy to be in the top eight. That's the only thing that tells me something because this league table doesn't,' the Liverpool boss said. 'If in tennis you are the number one seed, it is better to face the number 24 than the number 12 but that's a ranking based over the years.
'Now we are in a format when some teams have a lucky draw and some have an unlucky draw. It might be an advantage, it might be a disadvantage. For me the most important thing is that we have been able to skip a round,' Slot added.
And the Dutchman hailed 'special' Mohamed Salah, after the Egyptian scored his 50th European goal for Liverpool, becoming the first player to reach that landmark for the club.
'Special - that is the word to describe Mo's performance at this club, he has been outstanding for so many years,' said Slot. 'He scored a great goal. When Mo goes on a one-on-one, there's a great chance he will score.
'This goal (today) tells you so much about why we're top of the league, with the work rate of the players who won the ball back before Curtis (Jones) passes to Mo.'
Meanwhile Harvey Elliott, who scored the winner for Liverpool, stressed that he is determined to stay at the club despite reports linking him with a move away from Anfield.
Asked about his 'all talk' celebration, Elliott told Amazon Prime: 'It is pretty clear to be honest - I am not leaving. This is my team and my club. I'm a massive fan and we're in a great position so far this season.
'I haven't really seen the chat, but my friends have messaged me and called me about a few things. It is always going to happen in January, especially after being out for a long time and not playing as much as I want to, but that is football.
'I've had conversations with the gaffer but at the same time I need to understand the situation. The team is flying - we are first in the Premier League and Champions League. For me to go in and say I should be starting it would be silly of myself really. You know what the answer is going to be.
'I need to stay patient and when I am getting opportunities, however long it is, just enjoy the moment, especially after being injured for three months at the start of the season. I just want to enjoy my football and when a chance comes I need to show the gaffer that if I am needed I am ready.'
Liverpool's next game is at Ipswich on Saturday at Anfield, before they travel to Holland knowing that a point against PSV Eindhoven next Wednesday will confirm them as table-toppers in the league phase of the new Champions League format.