Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hails his players for perfect response against struggling Huddersfield

Klopp's side bounced back at the John Smith's Stadium after consecutive defeats

Jürgen Klopp with pleased with the reaction he saw from his players (Getty)

Jürgen Klopp hailed his Liverpool players for providing the perfect reaction to recent defeats by recording a comfortable 3-0 victory over strugglers Huddersfield Town.

Liverpool banished the bad feeling brought about by last week’s reverse at Swansea City and Saturday’s elimination from the FA Cup at the fourth round stage.

Goals from Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and a late Mohamed Salah penalty proved enough to beat David Wagner’s Terriers, who provided little resistance.

“That was the reaction we needed,” Klopp said after the final whistle. “It was not brilliant, not the best we have played so far, but very mature and in the end very deserved.

“I think the best thing we did apart from scoring was counter-pressing, defending situations when Huddersfield won the ball deeper. They were quite compact. It’s not too easy to play around.”

Klopp added: “We had a few fantastic situations. Early in the game [Andrew] Robertson in behind, Salah alone, Sadio [Mané] twice – more moments than three goals, but it was difficult to play, they defended well.

“I’m happy about the result and most parts of the performance as well.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson made his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury and vice-captain James Milner also came into the starting line-up to add mettle and experience to the visitors’ midfield.

Klopp was delighted with how his senior players performed in the middle of the park, and also praised their fellow midfielder Emre Can, who wore the captain’s armband during the two recent defeats.

“Emre was not brilliant last game but played very well tonight. Milly and Hendo are good and important players for us.

"Tonight, if you play this system, Gini [Wijnaldum] and [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain didn’t start – important players as well. A little bit of pressure is not bad. You have to perform to stay on the pitch.

“Sometimes we rotate because of physical things – like with Virgil tonight – but usually you do things because of who looks better, sharper. The boys wanted it and it helped that they had this attitude as well.”