Klopp delighted with clinical Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp hailed his team’s finishing after a 4-1 win over Ajax in Amsterdam saw them top Champions League Group D.

Two goals from Robert Lewandowski and a one apiece from Marco Reus and Mario Goetze put the away side into a commanding lead on Wednesday, before Danny Hoesen scored a late consolation for Ajax.

The former Mainz coach was delighted with the way his men seized their chances, emphasising how it showed their growing maturity.

“We scored goals today that we didn’t score last season, despite already having the quality on board then,” Klopp told reporters.

“Apart from talent, you also need to have a clinical scoring factor in your team. Although they are still all quite young, the boys have developed a lot.

“It was not a walk in the park and everyone that was here today saw that. Ajax had a lot more possession, but we put in a very disciplined performance.

“The goals were all nicely created and well timed. Ajax were tricky opponents, even if the result doesn’t suggest that.”

Klopp’s counterpart in the Ajax dugout, Frank de Boer, argued the heavy defeat could have been avoided with better defending.

“I think we had an average of 70 percent possession, but we gave the goals away very clumsily,” the former Netherlands international said.

“We certainly could have avoided three (goals). That I think is the worst thing about this match.”

Ajax are third in Group D, one point ahead of Manchester City, with one match to play in the race for a Europa League berth.