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    Jurgen Klopp: Alisson's Injury Cast a 'Big Shadow' over 'Brilliant' Norwich Win

    Christopher Simpson@@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistAugust 10, 2019

    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Norwich City at Anfield on August 09, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
    Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

    Jurgen Klopp reflected positively on Liverpool's 4-1 win over Norwich City on Friday but felt an injury to Alisson cast a "big shadow" on the victory.

    The goalkeeper was taken off with a calf problem after 37 minutes at Anfield as the Reds opened their 2019-20 Premier League campaign with three points.

    Liverpool manager Klopp told BBC Sport:

    "It would be only positive what happened tonight because it's the first game of the season. Sixty minutes, really super football, everything like you wanted.

    "Respect Norwich a lot, and we showed that with our work rate.

    "It was all brilliant, scored wonderful goals. Could have scored more, it's all good. And then the last half hour is normal, it's normal in the early stages.

    "The big shadow is then the Ali situation. It is why I stand here and it's like not only being happy because, of course, it's not good for us, but we'll find a solution and carry on."

    Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker (CR) is assisted off the field with an injury during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Norwich City at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 9, 2019. (Photo by Oli
    OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

    The Reds were 3-0 up inside half an hour. Grant Hanley turned Divock Origi's cross into his own net after seven minutes, before Roberto Firmino set up Mohamed Salah in the 19th and Virgil van Dijk headed home Salah's corner after 28 minutes.

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    Alisson was withdrawn 11 minutes later after he slipped while taking a goal kick. Origi made it 4-0 before the break, while Teemu Pukki netted past Adrian to pull one back for the Canaries in the 64th minute.

    Klopp offered more on Alisson, who he confirmed would not be able to face Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, per Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo:

    Ian Doyle @IanDoyleSport

    #LFC boss Jurgen Klopp on the injured Alisson Becker: "He felt his calf. He looked behind him because he thought something hit him. But Adrian is a good goalie. In possession he is calm and he is good at shot-stopping, that's why we signed him."

    Norwich had 12 shots to Liverpool's 15 and five shots to the Reds' seven on target.

    Per football journalist Jack Sear, the coach was not too concerned by the visiting side's opportunities:

    Jack Sear @JackSear

    Klopp says he’s not worried about the chances Norwich created, either. No doubt there were times where Liverpool could have been more organised, but think Norwich played some really good stuff, too. Natural that there are things to work on.

    Later in the campaign, it will be a worry for Liverpool if sides of Norwich's calibre are having so many efforts on goal at Anfield.

    However, given it was the opening match of the season, the Reds are still searching for their rhythm and some momentum, so a little vulnerability at the back is to be expected.

    Losing Alisson won't help on that front, particularly as he did not have a full pre-season because of his involvement in the Copa America with Brazil.

    He played a key role in the team's record of just 22 Premier League goals conceded last season, the best in the division. Until he's back, Liverpool won't be able to operate at full capacity.