Jurgen Klopp refuses to get excited as Liverpool top Champions League group after beating Red Star Belgrade

Liverpool were comfortable winners and top Group C after PSG drew to Napoli

Jurgen Klopp refused to label Liverpool as favourite to qualify from their Champions League group after their 4-0 win against Red Star Belgrade places them at the top of Group C following PSG and Napoli’s draw.

Mohamed Salah scored his 50th goal for Liverpool with his second strike of the game as Liverpool cruised to victory after Roberto Firmino opened the scoring.

Sadio Mane made up for his earlier penalty miss and put a more emphatic spin on the scoreline, but it was the result in Paris that will have Liverpool more excited.

Napoli were two minutes away from beating PSG in the other Group C match, but Angel Di Maria’s late effort ensured the points were shared, which places Liverpool in a commanding position with three matches to go.

“Napoli and PSG played a 2-2 draw, but I can imagine it was pretty lively,” said Klopp on BT Sport, as he refused to allow himself to get carried away. “It will stay exciting. This group is a tough one for all of us. We have to be ready every day and hopefully we will be ready in two weeks."

After only winning by a margin for two or more goals just twice this season, Klopp was delighted to see his side execute his game plan and hit their inferior opponents hard.

Mo Salah scored his 50th goal for Liverpool (Getty)

"The plan was to start direct, we didn't know how they would defend,” he said. “We wanted to be lively, but perhaps it [the indifferent start] went on too long. When the game calmed down we played football and created chances - it was a really good game and I enjoyed it a lot.

"It was good [the front three scoring], but it was good to see Adam coming on, the counter-attacking, the passes and Daniel playing. It was a good football game and a deserved win.

Fabinho, who has been a peripheral figure since switching Monaco for Anfield in a £43m deal, had an excellent game at the base of the midfield and was often on hand to break up opposition attacks and recycle possession.

"Fabinho was good from the start - Shaqiri was involved in everything,” said Klopp of is two summer recruits. “He is a really nice footballer and that helped. I thought he did really well."

Liverpool’s captain on the night, Virgil Van Dijk, also showered the Brazilian midfielder with praise for his performance. “Fabinho won a lot of balls and made some great passes - very happy for him,” he said. “All the players worked hard tonight. I'm very happy we kept a clean sheet and scored some goals."