Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he was relieved his side were able to avoid a potential banana skin in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

The Reds were made to work hard for the three points at St Mary’s, with Klopp’s side having a quick turnaround from Wednesday’s win on penalties over Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul. Some suggested Liverpool could struggle on the south coast after being forced to go through extra-time and penalties against the Blues before the trip back from Turkey.

Klopp was delighted with the attitude of his players and feels the squad deserve great credit for how they coped with the week, as goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino saw the Reds claim the three points. “We are not used to winning big things and then coming to Southampton, I really loved how much respect we showed,” he told reporters.

“I said before the game that this looks like the biggest banana skin in history; everybody is waiting for it and probably all the headlines were written already. “I told the boys the headline I would prefer is, ‘The mentality giants were in town’ – that’s how I feel it in the moment.

“The boys did an outstanding job, all good, let’s go home, recover and start again.” Sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool are next in action on Saturday when they welcome Arsenal to Anfield.

Klopp’s side are 1.51 to win, 4.30 to draw and Arsenal are currently priced 5.70.