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Jurgen Klopp hailed “a big step” for Andy Robertson as Liverpool put Bournemouth to the sword at the Vitality Stadium.

The left back was a stellar performer as the Reds ran riot on the South Coast. Robertson set up Philippe Coutinho's superbly-taken opener and delivered comfortably his most complete performance since joining the club in the summer, helping his side to a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

The Scotland international has had to wait for an extended run in the first team, playing second fiddle to Alberto Moreno for the most part this season.

But with the Spaniard injured, the 23-year-old is needed. Here, he didn't let his manager down.

“He has not had to wait, he has had to train and to learn,” Klopp said. “That is a different thing.

“Only because everybody is asking, it looks like he has to wait.

“He made a big step today. His first two games were good, but Robbo can do much better and he knows that.





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“He has to gain rhythm, get more confident and today was a game where he really made a difference.

“The first pass he played from the back for, I think, Roberto? He couldn't get it, but that was the idea we worked on. The first goal I think is 40 per cent him, because without his run at the back of Phil things would be different, no?

“He did really well and we are happy for him.”

Klopp cut a satisfied figure at his post-match press conference, though he admitted that runaway leaders Manchester City would take some catching at the top of the table.

Of more concern, for the time being at least, is the race for the top four. Liverpool's win here puts them into the final Champions League spot, in the slipstream of Manchester United and Chelsea but with Arsenal, Tottenham and surprise package Burnley close behind.

Last season, Liverpool needed 76 points to finish in the top four, and Klopp was asked whether they would need a similar total this time around.

“I don't know, I don't have a crystal ball!” he said. “I don't even know how many points we needed last season. 76? I don't think it will be much lower.

“Everyone up there is still winning, so you need to carry on. But I don't know. A lot of teams are in good shape, but City win all the games so it will be difficult to get them.

“I have respect for them. They are not flying in this moment, but they are working hard for it. It is well deserved.

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“If they struggle like nobody with Manchester City's quality has ever struggled before, then maybe someone will be there. But it doesn't look like it.

“But if I stopped working because I couldn't be the league champion, then I wouldn't be here. We have so many things to play for, and I am enjoying the season.

“It is so intense, so hard to get anything. But most of the time our football is really good to watch.

“We play next Friday against Arsenal – wow! That's a really hard one, but we look forward to it.”

Klopp's final question was on the importance of the forthcoming transfer window, though it was one he was not quick to engage with.

“All the transfer windows are or were important, there's no doubt about that,” he said.

“It depends on 'can you be busy or not?' or 'are you forced to be busy?' I have nothing to say about it, it is just another window.

“We have won football games with a completely different line-up. If a club is dependent on one player only, then you have real problems. We are not. I am happy with my squad, and have nothing to say about the transfer window.”