Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool are ready to play their best ever game against Villarreal in the decisive Champions Champions semi-finals the second leg in Spain.
Liverpool won the first leg at Anfield by 2-0 but Jurgen Klopp expected a tougher test from Unai Emery’s side after Liverpool prevented Villarreal from recording a shot on target last week at Anfield.
What was said?
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Villarreal game, when he was quizzed whether the Job is done he said:’If I was younger I’d have been really angry with the question!
‘Of course, no. It’s only half-time. We have to go there and try to win, knowing they (Villarreal) will go with all they have.’
He has also called for his players to follow his example, adding: ‘Maturity and experience are important but not the only decisive thing.
‘Everything that we have is required tomorrow night.
‘We have to be ready to play a top, top game. They will try to play much more football than we allowed them in the first game.
‘Unai will try to adapt a few things. It will be really interesting. Maturity is important but not the only thing.’
Jurgen Kopp expects his side to draw inspiration from their away win against Newcastle in an intense atmosphere at St James’ Park on Saturday.
‘We have to be ready to suffer,’ he said. ‘Not being a goal down – which can happen – but giving the game the right direction.
A good example was Newcastle. The crowd was very passionate but we didn’t let it happen, which was the biggest quality of this game.
‘It wasn’t a show of football brilliance. Of course, we could have scored more goals but how clear-cut the performance was was incredible.
‘Yes we have to be emotional, ready to play the best game ever, but knowing it will not happen in moments.
‘Suffering doesn’t mean you suffer for long, you suffer and [clicks fingers] react.’
Trent Alexander-Arnold has also urged his teammates to avoid being complacency against Villarreal
The England international has insisted that Liverpool is not going to underestimate Villarreal as he claims anything can happen in football.
Speaking in their pre-match press conference, the defender said: ‘They’re a top-quality side who can beat world-class teams.
‘We’ve seen that with Juventus and Bayern Munich. They play up to the underdog so we cannot get complacent. An old cliche, only half-time.
‘The next goal is vital in this tie.’
He went on to add: ‘We want to go there and win. We know we can’t be silly and get drawn into how they want to play, but we want to make sure we get through.
‘It’s a good lead but at the same time, it’s dangerous. Complacency cannot slip in.’
Emery has revealed that his men will attempt to play on the front foot with their home crowd roaring them on, and his players have refused to rule out a comeback.
As a result, Liverpool will be forced to work to reach their third final in five seasons.
