Florian Wirtz interview: ‘Massive’ win over Palace, Kop-end goal, Isak connection and more

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.