Jurgen Klopp was forthright in his observation of Liverpool’s situation on the eve of the Champions League clash with Rangers at Ibrox.
His team goes into this game on the back of a damaging Premier League defeat away to Arsenal on Sunday. The pain inflicted meant further points dropped – they now trail the table topping Gunners by 14 points – as well as injuries to key figures in the form of Trent Alexander Arnold and Luis Diaz. Joel Matip has since joined them on the treatment table.
Yes, Liverpool are currently going through a period of trouble and uncertainty on the pitch but respect also has to be afforded to the level they operate at in England’s top flight. They will still be confident and able to come to Glasgow to get the result they need toward Last 16 qualification from Group A.
The rest is up to Rangers, there won’t be a better time to take on the Reds, especially at Ibrox. Gio van Bronckhorst’s men simply must harness the energy and passion from the stands to inspire their performance from the very start of the game. It will require quality, intensity and concentration but it can be done.
At the press conference on Tuesday night ahead of the game, Klopp indicated the delicate mood around his team and their form with as much of an admission on their present vulnerability as you’re likely to get:
“This is a tough situation but it’s a challenge and we go for it. I can’t promise we will fly tomorrow but we will fight.”
“It didn’t become easier since Sunday because of the injuries but the team I saw today in training I liked a lot. Let’s give it a go.”
Now is the time to land a punch on this Liverpool team. https://t.co/IloT2vaVPN
— Graeme Hanna (@graeme818) October 11, 2022