Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has revealed that the Reds are planning to put pressure on Real Madrid at Anfield as they try to turn around a 3-1 Champions League quarter-final deficit, hoping their intensity will upset Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who dictate the game.
Jurgen Klopp’s side was criticized in the aftermath of their first leg injury a week ago because they lacked their usual intensity level. Real Madrid were able to cut through the reds too easily, allowing Vinicius Junior to score twice on both sides for a talented Marco Asensio goal.
Liverpool were guilty of making it too easy for Real Madrid in the first leg | Angel Martinez / Getty Images
Klopp admitted after the match that his team made it “too easy” for Real that night. But Mohamed Salah’s away goal gives Liverpool a chance if they can get their performance right this time, while a 2-0 victory would be enough to complete the comeback.
Robertson has stated that a large part of it will not allow Real to get into any kind of rhythm with his passport or possession. This means that Liverpool rely on the high tempo pressure that has served them so well during Klopp’s time.
“Real Madrid is one of the best at controlling games. When they are in winning positions, they have the likes of Modric and Kroos who can only stand on the ball for what feels like ten minutes and you can’t get rid of them, Robertson told Liverpool’s official website.
Liverpool must put Luka Modric under pressure on the ball Fran Santiago / Getty Images
“We have to put these players under pressure, we have to put them all under pressure, we have to make their lives a little more uncomfortable than we did last week. It felt like we gave them all too much time on the ball, really, so we have to make it uncomfortable for them. ”
Robertson is convinced that Liverpool have enough of their own quality to hurt Real, but having the ball is crucial and they will have to fight furiously to get it back if they lose it.
“When you look at all the great games we’ve played and all the good games we’ve played, it’s been down to the pressure being so good. So we have to try to create it, the shots said.
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Will the match against Real Madrid actually be decided in the first five minutes? @Andy_Headspeath, @em_sandy & @ AlexPurdy21 preview Liverpool’s second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. ? #LFC | #UCL
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“We need the hard work and we all need to be willing to do it. The boys are always willing to do it so I have no doubt about it, but it’s just about us trying to get close to the ball. ”
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