Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp highlighted the difference between the 2019 comeback victory over Barcelona and what they face against Atalanta
Jurgen Klopp acknowledged the massive difference between the 2019 comeback against Barcelona compared to the situation Liverpool faces against Atalanta. The German remembered the speech he delivered before the Reds made the memorable comeback in the Champions League at Anfield.
Liverpool lost 0-3 to Barcelona at Nou Camp during the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018-19 season. Despite the absence of numerous important players, the Reds fought back and secured a 4-0 victory at Anfield during the second leg.
However, their current situation with Atalanta is drastically different to the one they faced against Barcelona under Klopp. Despite the poor result at Nou Camp, Liverpool produced a good away performance and Anfield played a big role.
Liverpool lost 0-3 to Anfield against Atalanta in a game where the Italian side outperformed Klopp’s team throughout the game. Atalanta have the home advantage in the second leg and Liverpool have continued their poor form in the Premier League.
The Reds lost 0-1 to Crystal Palace at Anfield in an important Premier League fixture due to the title race. Liverpool have continued to concede goals early in the game, showing poor organisation and leaving huge spaces in defence.
Furthermore, they have been very wasteful in front of goal, lacking composure and displaying complacency to be more clinical. The Reds have also struggled to break a compact team with their right flank completely nullified during the build-up.
Klopp told the reporters (h/t ESPN) that there is a vast difference between Barcelona’s comeback and the one they face. He said:
“I will think about the speech tomorrow. I remember saying if we fail, let’s fail in the most beautiful way and I’ll say that again. A lot of supporters thought that was it after the [first] leg but now less people think it is decided. We are here, let’s see. The result is similar definitely. The performance not really. We lost 3-0 in Barcelona and people didn’t know how, now we lost 3-0 at home and are away, it’s a massive difference. We are here and will try to win the game, that’s all. That’s what we should do. [Last week] we had really good moments but they completely deserved to win. Let’s start with a much better performance and try to win the game and we will see how much time is left at the end.”
Liverpool have enjoyed several memorable comebacks under Klopp, maintaining the “never say die” attitude and displaying immense willpower. However, they have to be strategic and disciplined to beat Atalanta and qualify for the Europa League semi-finals.
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The task ahead is daunting but the one that the Reds can achieve if they stick to the game plan and keep believing in themselves. Liverpool have nothing to lose in the second fixture but they could make another memory with Klopp as his tenure nears the end.
