Klopp sounds Liverpool warning ahead of blockbuster Man City FA Cup semi-final

Jurgen Klopp warned his stars they "should have played better" despite Liverpool advancing to the FA Cup semi-finals with victory over Nottingham Forest.

Diogo Jota scored the only goal of an end-to-end last-eight tie on Sunday evening to set up a Wembley clash with Manchester City in mid-April. The Portuguese forward's goal came as Forest pushed to take the lead and the Championship side also had chances to hit back after falling behind in the 78th minute.

Philip Zinckernagel squandered a brilliant chance from close range before Alisson avoided conceding a penalty after his outstretched hand made contact with Ryan Yates' foot. Klopp made plenty of changes for the trip to the City Ground but admits he expected Liverpool's performance to be much better.

"Proper cup match I have to say! You said before a European night in Nottingham, that's pretty much what it was," the German told ITV Sport after the full-time whistle. "Massive compliment for [Forest manager] Steve Cooper and his team. We should have played better but they made it really difficult. They had moments but then we went 1-0 up. We came through and I'm really happy."

Klopp has faced criticism for allegedly disregarding the domestic cup competitions since he was appointed Liverpool manager in October 2015. However, the Reds have already clinched the Carabao Cup this season and they are now just 90 minutes away from their first FA Cup final since 2012.

"I never changed but the only thing we can do is to play games and silence these voices," Klopp said when asked if he has altered his approach to the domestic cups. "This season nobody has said these things to me [about not taking them seriously]."

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The Liverpool manager reserved special praise for Jota after he got on the end of Kostas Tsimikas' cross to poke in his 19th goal of the season, adding: "It was a difficult one to finish off. He is a proper striker. Absolutely great."

Meanwhile, Forest defender Joe Worrall declared he was "very proud" of his side's performance against "one of the best teams in the world, saying: "I think what we've done this season so far, we've created belief, optimism with the new manager and the players and performances.

"Never mind today, we have been fantastic over the last six months since the manager has come in. There's a real buzz around the city - 28,500 came out to watch us tonight and we went toe to toe with one of the best teams in the world. Very proud."