![Klopp delighted with Liverpool's 5-0 win against Atalanta [Getty]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/70fb8e_3cf884b02f12493ab5347154b7eca592~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_61,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/70fb8e_3cf884b02f12493ab5347154b7eca592~mv2.jpg)
The Premier League champions thrashed the Serie A club 5-0 at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said his side's display against Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday night was ' a performance we needed'.
The Premier League champions thrashed the Serie A club 5-0 at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night as Diogo Jota's hat-trick, as well as strikes from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, secured the victory against Gian Piero Gasperini's men.
It was a big statement of intent in Europe's elite competition from the Merseyside club, and following the match, Klopp heaped praise on his Reds, who are looking forward to their Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad this weekend.
The German told BT Sport: "That was a performance we needed tonight. My boys played an incredible game, the front line defending and attacking was outstanding.
"Midfield organisation, desire, readiness. Top level, last line pushing up and knowing the threat Atalanta can cause. You win a game 5-0, you could score more goals but our goalie had to still make three world-class saves. Overall a really good game.
"It's about the players, it was difficult against us tonight, I don't think anyone could've defended against Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, and Diogo Jota so it wasn't about the tactics or our system it was about the team.
"90% of my players have three games in the international break, my players are still on duty. After City this weekend it's only me who gets a week off. But we have to recover now, and we will need it. Then we can see who is available, and City are a different team so we have to make sure we're ready for that."