Jurgen Klopp cites Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo examples to uplift Liverpool stars before Rangers clash
Jurgen Klopp has cited the example of Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and PSG’s Lionel Messi to show Liverpool players that confidence issues can affect anybody in the sport.
The Reds have had an underwhelming start to the season, where they sit ninth in the league table with 10 points from seven games. Some of Liverpool’s best players, including but not limited to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, have been way below par.
However, the German manager claimed that the Reds are going through a phase of low confidence. He also stated that the team will have to unify and work together if they want to get out of this situation.
At his pre-match press conference on Monday (October 4) [h/t Independent], Klopp said:
“So, people would ask ‘how can it happen that these players are not full of confidence’? Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo at the moment is at the top of his confidence? It happens to all of us.”
The former Borussia Dortmund manager continued:
“Lionel Messi last season pretty much the same. You have to take a step in the right direction and when you’re ready, it’s back (confidence). In individual sports, you can fight yourself through it. In team sport, you have to do it together. It can be more complicated.”
Liverpool’s latest blow came in their 3-3 Premier League draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on October 1. The Reds clawed their way back into the lead after going 2-0 down but conceded a late equalizer which ensured their fourth draw this season.
The Reds’ next task is a UEFA Champions League group stage game against Rangers at Anfield tonight. Messi and Ronaldo have made it a habit to shine on the European stage – hopefully, some of our players pay heed to Klopp’s advice and play their best game in a Liverpool shirt.
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It might just be Rangers, with all due respect to them, but a loss or a draw here can be a hammer blow for our confidence. This is now looking like a season of transition and compromise – the least we can expect, though, is a top-four finish and a deep run in the UCL.
