Jurgen Klopp attempted to gloss over Liverpool's drab draw with Chelsea by aiming a dig at Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger.
Saturday's showdown between the Reds and Chelsea marked Klopp's 1,000th game in management - but it failed to live up to the occasion. Both sides have been plagued by issues in recent weeks but neither were able to take advantage of the others struggles in an encounter that seriously underwhelmed.
And after his side flattered to deceive on his big day, Klopp tried to downplay his disappointment after the match by taking a snide dig at Wenger, who fell to an embarrassing 6-0 defeat in his 1,000th game.
Referencing the Frenchman's miserable milestone, which was also against Chelsea, the German chief quipped: "Arsene Wenger lost his 1,000th game 6-0, so I'm pretty happy".
Klopp went on to insist that the result at Anfield was "progress" as the Reds bid to try and bounce back from a difficult few weeks. And a clean sheet was a welcome improvement after they were thumped 3-0 by Brighton last weekend.
Speaking before his Wenger dig, Klopp said of the match: "I liked the start of the first half and particularly the start of the second half, so that was good and we need to extend these spells.
"We had moments when we played pretty well. For me it is clear, you have to be ready to make little steps and this was a little step. I expect progress and, from the last league game, it was progress, definitely. That is important."
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Although Liverpool have struggled this season, the Reds have been revitalised since Klopp's arrival back in 2015 and have reclaimed their place amongst the Premier League's elite. The former Mainz and Borussia Dortmund boss ended Liverpool's agonising 30-year wait for a league title back in 2020 and has also guided the Reds to success in the Champions League.
Ahead of his big match on Saturday, Klopp was lauded by Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson : another top-flight manager who chalked up over 1,000 matches as a boss.
"I'm delighted to welcome Jurgen Klopp to the LMA 1,000 club," said Ferguson, who stepped down after 26 years in charge at Manchester United back in 2013. "Jurgen is undoubtedly one of the most gifted managers in world football and the dedication and passion which Jurgen brings to the role is inspiring to anyone aspiring to a career in football management.
"The many trophies he has already won in his career, including in recent seasons the Champions League and the Premier League with Liverpool, confirm his status amongst football's elite."
