Julian Nagelsmann claims Hoffenheim had the 'better' and 'clearer' chances in defeat against Liverpool

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Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann has defended his side's performance against Liverpool, claiming they played a 'really good match'.

Liverpool overcame the Bundesliga outfit 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off thanks to an own goal from Havard Nordtveit and Trent Alexander-Arnold's exquisite first half free-kick. 

And Nagelsmann believes his side were unlucky not to take anything from the game as they failed to punish Liverpool after creating good opportunities, including a missed penalty from Andrej Kramaric.

Julian Nagelsmann was positive with Hoffenheim's performance against Liverpool on Tuesday

Andrej Kramaric saw his tame first half penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet

Nagelsmann was also guarded after Jurgen Klopp's assertion that Liverpool allowed Hoffenheim to keep the ball in certain spaces on the pitch.

'No, I don't agree, we had the ball in many important spaces. He has to say that and defend his team, he won't say "Hoffenheim played so well and we were***",' Nagelsmann said.

'I can give one example when (Sandro) Wagner played a square pass into space that was an important ball and another situation with Serge Gnabry and many others.

'I feel that we played a really good match, especially in the first half. I think we had the better chances, the clearer chances.' 

Liverpool take a healthy 2-1 advantage going into the second leg of the Champions League tie

The second leg of the Champions League tie takes place at Anfield on Wednesday, August 23 and Nagelsmann feels his side will put up a strong fight when they travel to England.

'I don't really make a difference between home or away matches, so I don't really care,' the German added.

'I can assure you that our commitment will be the same at Anfield. I know that we made a good match here and I can promise you that we will make a good match over there.'