ReactionFlorian Wirtz interview: 'Massive' win over Palace, Kop-end goal, Isak connection and more
Florian Wirtz labelled Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace ‘a massive three points’.
The Reds recorded a third Premier League victory in a row by beating the Eagles at Anfield on Saturday – a result that further strengthened their bid for a top-five finish and qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Wirtz wrapped up the win with a superb, Kop-end strike in stoppage time, which extinguished any Palace hopes of snatching a point after Daniel Munoz had pulled a goal back 18 minutes from time.
Liverpool had led 2-0 at half-time thanks to Alexander Isak and Andy Robertson, along with a couple of excellent saves by Freddie Woodman.
Arne Slot’s side now sit eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four games left to play.
Post-match, Wirtz spoke to Liverpoolfc.com – read the No.7’s interview below.
On the win and Liverpool’s game plan against a tricky opponent…
I think we needed these three points, especially at home. So, really happy that we keep them here. Of course, we knew before the game what was coming with them because we faced them already three times before [this season], I think. So, we knew they play a lot of balls in behind, take not too much risk, just looking for deep runs, so I think we defended it quite well.
Of course they had a few chances, but it’s always difficult to keep them too far away from the goal. So, I think we did good with the whole team, everyone defended good, and then we knew also that we have the quality to create our own chances and today there were, I think, some more good chances… so in the end 3-1 is OK.
On the Reds taking another significant step towards Champions League qualification…
I think [it is] a massive three points today. It was clear for us that this game today is really important for the qualification for the Champions League. It’s not done yet, we have a few more games, but a good step today.
On his goal and whether he knew he had scored as soon as he struck the ball…
First of all, I knew that Joey [Gomez] will throw the ball over me so I just had in my mind to go behind the ball and then a good pass from Macca [Alexis Mac Allister], and then I had to take the risk to just hit it on target and I hit it quite well so I’m happy about that. Sometimes you can feel it that it’s a good strike.
On being happy for Isak after the No.9 scored his first goal since returning from injury…
Yes, especially as a striker it’s always important to score goals so I’m happy for him. I hope it’s the start of many [and he can] keep going like this.
On whether he feels Isak will be at his best next season…
Yeah, I hope so. I think it’s also important for him that we feed him with balls because if he’s just there on top alone then it’s hard for him to score goals. I think he needs the balls to score them and as you could see today, if he gets the chance he normally scores.
On Woodman’s performance…
He was unbelievable today. I think he had two or three top saves so I’m really happy for him. He’s such a good guy and [was] unlucky with the goal we conceded. I don’t want to speak too much about that but he saved us the points, of course.