Jürgen Klopp admitted that Liverpool were not at their best under his management but insisted he was pleased regardless as they drew 0-0 with FC Sion on Thursday night.

In near-freezing conditions, the Reds were held to a goalless draw against their Swiss opponents at the Stade Tourbillon as they finished on top of Group B having already progressed to the last 32 of the Europa League.

And Klopp acknowledged that his side weren't exactly fluent in a sub-zero Switzerland, insisting it was "really difficult" to play in. 

Boss pleased despite bore draw 

In his post-match press conference, the German said it was "difficult" because of the "very difficult" ground which made it hard to play on "for both teams" in his words.

The boss added that "first thing" they had to do was "show character" and show they were "prepared" - saying he's "really satisfied" because that's what his team did.

Taking the positives from what was a dull draw, Klopp also stated that "nobody is injured" and the squad showed they were "very focused and concentrated" - concluding that "everything is okay."

He acknowledged that it was "not the football we all know" or even Liverpool's "best football" under him, but said that "frozen ground is for other sports usually" and suggested his side had done well to get a point. ​

The German, who oversaw his fourth European game - his second draw from an unbeaten record - felt that Sion, too, "can play better" so said it was "not easy" for both teams and "really, really difficult" to play in such cold weather.

He declared himself "not surprised" about the home side's "quality" and the "influence" it had on Liverpool's performance, but vowed that you "have to take and accept the circumstances" in football and said "sometimes" the wind and rain can affect games in England too.

The final standings mean the Reds will be seeded for the draw for the last 32, which takes part on Monday and ensures they will avoid the four teams with the best records of those who finished third in their Champions League groups as well as fellow group winners in the Europa League.

Regardless, Klopp is anticipating an increase in quality no matter who they get in the next round.

He said that top of their group was where they wanted to be and said it was "really good" to do so having been "far away" from doing so only a few weeks ago.

The Reds boss added that they will "see how important" finishing first place is - saying they are "a lot of very good teams" still in the competition, even in second-place of their groups, and "good teams" who have dropped in from the Champions League.

He insisted "everybody who thought this tournament is not a first-class tournament will have to change their mind now" and labelled it a "mini Champions League" - saying he is "looking forward" to the draw to "see what happens."

Reds looking ahead to West Brom

But with no European football until the first knockout round in February, the Reds now turn their attentions back to domestic football as they host West Bromwich Albion at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Due to aviation laws in Switzerland, Klopp and co. are unable to return to Merseyside until Friday - meaning they will only have one training session before facing the Baggies, but the boss vowed that Liverpool will do all they can do before taking on Tony Pulis' men.

He acknowledged that they knew beforehand that they would have to play again so quickly, saying after the game they faced a "short trip" to the hotel before resting, flying back home and having a "little session" at their Melwood training ground. 

He said they would "come back and prepare" the next day - which is "the job" - adding they will "try to use everything" they can use, but must "see West Brom tomorrow morning" so Klopp can "know more about" what they can use from Thursday night's draw.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.