Klopp highlights Liverpool progress without 'world class' Coutinho

Soccer Football - Champions League - Liverpool Press Conference - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - April 30, 2019 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp said he feared the worst when Philippe Coutinho left for Barcelona but congratulated his side for thriving in the Brazilian's absence as they prepare for a reunion in the Champions League semi-finals.

Barca signed Coutinho for a club record 142 million pounds ($185.18 million) in January 2018.