Villarreal 1 Liverpool 0: Jurgen Klopp devastated after injury-time goal, but warns Reds 'will be stronger at Anfield'

The second leg of the Europa League semi-final takes place next Thursday

Jurgen Klopp reacts on the touchline (Getty )

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was visibly frustrated with the late goal conceded by his team in their 1-0 Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat at Villarreal, but said he believes his side will be tough opponents when they host the return leg next week.

Adrian Lopez struck two minutes into injury time after a fine move by the La Liga side.

"We were not happy with the goal we conceded in the last second or something," Klopp told BT Sport after the match.

"But it's only the first leg....we had not the luck today. Nothing happened so it's one-nil, they have to come to Anfield now and they know how strong we are.

"To be honest I thought we would have more problems here. We defended really good, we had our moments to play football. They couldn't defend us - this race is not over.

"They played this one chip-ball in the back of Kolo...but that was the only big mistake we made in the game. Okay they scored with it, that's how it is you have to accept it. It's no problem really, no problem.

"Ninety minutes played, 95, we could play 97 at Anfield and that's a different game there."

Goalkeeper Mignolet took a more positive approach after the Reds more than held their own in Spain and is confident they can turn things around with their home support behind them.


 Philippe Coutinho competes for the ball 
 (2016 Getty Images)

He said: "I think we defended really well throughout the game. It's a tactical game against a Spanish team. We played a good game and they're hard to break down and they were looking for one or two chances and unfortunately it happened at the end.

"I think we played a good game and everybody saw the quality of Villarreal but we created our chances and we had some chances to score but that didn't happen - but still we have to play at home at Anfield and with our supporters behind us there's always magic in the air."

Toure said: "We know we can do it, we just need to believe.

"This game is done now. We just need to learn from the mistake we made and then try to do the same game we played against (Borussia) Dortmund."

PA