Klopp was yelling at his stars ‘give it to Bobby’... he wanted to stay in cup NO.2 BARROW ON SHREWSBURY’S FAMOUS DRAW

THERE’S STILL ROMANCE LEFT IN FA CUP

Assistant boss Graham Barrow, who helped to mastermind Wigan Athletic’s Wembley triumph in 2013, knows how the competition can play havoc with emotions.

“Coming straight after the Liverpool game, I’m not making excuses, but it was a horrendous fixture,” he admitted.

“The players needed a bit of time to clear their heads after what happened on Sunday and they never had that. I could tell the mentality wasn’t right.”

Barrow, No.2 to Sam Ricketts at the New Meadow, insists neither of them is bothered about what side Liverpool put out on Tuesday in the replay.

“We both agreed Jurgen is not having a go at the FA Cup,” said Barrow. “He is making a stand about preserving the mid-season break, which the Premier League have brought in. He wanted the replay to be on another date outside that fortnight.

“My first thought, once the final whistle went on Sunday, was, ‘Great, we’re off to Anfield!’. I loved going there with Wigan in our Premier League days, though I then had flashbacks of not being able to get out of our penalty area.

“There may be disappointment with the players that they won’t be up against the big Liverpool players, but the chance of a trip to Chelsea in the fifth round is some consolation.”

Barrow revealed that Klopp threw on Roberto Firmino for the final five minutes in the belief the Brazilian could snatch a last-gasp victory.

He added: “He was anxious to win the game and wasn’t messing about. He was constantly shouting for his players to give the ball to Firmino. Every time someone was on the ball it was, ‘Give it to Bobby’.

“It was proof, despite what some have been saying, Jurgen was desperate for Liverpool to remain in the FA Cup.

“He was very complimentary after the game. He told us that, even at 2-0 up, he didn’t feel comfortable. To do what we did at home in front of a full house and millions on TV was very special.”

Shrews No.2 Graham Barrow, next to boss Sam Ricketts, watches as Jurgen Klopp brings on Firmino