Jurgen Klopp reveals what he told Liverpool players after Barcelona defeat

Jurgen Klopp says he told his players he was "really proud of them" despite succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

The Reds have a mountain to climb in the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona after losing 3-0 to Ernesto Valverde's side.

Klopp's side showed a good account of themselves but were beaten by moments of brilliance from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, leaving them with a huge task at Anfield next Tuesday.

Despite the result being a big blow to Liverpool's aspirations for a trophy this season, Klopp insists his side can focus their attention to another huge Premier League fixture at Newcastle this Saturday.

"I said I am really proud of them, that I really liked the game," Klopp said. "They don’t have to think about the next game against Barcelona, now we play Newcastle. That’s all our focus.

"We go to the hotel, have a proper sleep, get up in the morning, fly home and then prepare for Newcastle. Whatever happens, these boys, I couldn’t be more proud of them.

"I know the result and people who didn’t see the game will say strange things, we accept that easily. It’s just how they always strike back in these kind of games, how brave they are in these moments. I just like it.

"At the end it’s still a 3-0 – however I think about the game – and it does not change. But it’s OK. Let’s fly home and play Newcastle."

The scoreline is not a fair reflection of how the evening went as Liverpool were in the ascendancy for much of the game.

It wasn't to be for the Reds on the night, however Klopp is adamant his side produced their best away performance in the Champions League under his watch.

"What can I say? We showed we can have chances and these boys never give up, that’s how it is – they never give up and I love that. But there is no party in the moment," Klopp said.

"We have to use that game for a lot of things, but in the moment we just feel disappointed, frustrated, whatever you want to say.

"There will be a moment when I can convince the boys again how important this game was for us for our development because I really think it was the best away game we played in the Champions League.

"That’s a very important message for us, not for the world outside."

Liverpool could go back above Manchester City in the Premier League table with victory over Newcastle on Saturday with Pep Guardiola's side in action against Leicester on Monday night.