Klopp: Smashing Manchester City was a "big step" for Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has said that Liverpool's 4-1 demolition of title-chasing Manchester City at Eastlands on Saturday represented a "big step" for his troops.

The Reds thumped Manuel Pellegrini's side in what is touted to be a flagship moment for Klopp's burgeoning spell in England after replacing Brendan Rodgers last month.

"The passion we played with [was the most important thing]," the German told Sky Sports News. "You cannot win against a team like Manchester City without this.

"We tried to close the spaces, we pressed high and the crowd became nervous, that was the first step. It was far from perfect but was very good, we took our chances and made our goals. We could have had one or two more but everything is okay."

"It is a big step, it was very important, a big day for us. With results like this the boys start to believe in themselves and that's very important."

Eliaquim Mangala diverted the ball into his own net after eight minutes, before Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino helped the visitors into a shock 3-0 lead.

Sergio Aguero pulled one back before the break, but Martin Skrtel restored the three-goal cushion in the final quarter.

They sit eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Leicester City, and six behind fourth-placed Arsenal.