Klopp sets out Liverpool’s battle plan - kill atmosphere in Seville
● Reds manager aims to take the enjoyment out of Champions League clash in Spain
Liverpool manager J ur gen Klopp admits it is now crunch time for his side in the Champions League.
They top Group E and a win against Se villa in Spain will clinch a place in the knockout stages with a match to spare.
However, t heir hosts have an impressive home record –they have not lost at the Sanchez Pizjuan since November last year – and it will not be straightforward.
“In the group stage you cannot choose where you get the points from but when you get to the end the more decisive games are,” said Klopp, who is still frustrated by dropping two points at home to the Spaniards due to a late equaliser back in September.
“It felt quite average when we conceded a goal at home to S evilla [ to draw 2- 2] and if we had not conceded this goal the situation would have been even better.
“This is ‘ the’ game, against Se villa in Seville. They area very experienced footballplaying team and that’ s the Champions League.”
Th eS anchezPiz juan is renowned for its atmosphere and Klopp knows that is something his players will have to handle and quieten if they are to succeed. The atmosphere here is really famous and it is our job to make the game not that enjoyable–other teams try it when they come to Anfield,” he added.
“I have played twice here with twot ea ms–Mainz and Dortmund–and it( the atmosphere) depends on the performance. But we are not here to enjoy the atmosphere, we are here to get a result.”
Winger Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s top scorer with nine, will be key to Liverpool’s success or otherwise in Seville. Asked whether the £ 38 million summer signing had exceeded expectations with 14 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions, Klopp said: “He has reached them at least, that’s clear.
“I like Mo and his goals but we don’ t have to talk about that as it’ s in the past. I’ m more interested in his statistics tomorrow night.
“It was not luck that he scored, he gets fantastic goals. He could build confidence off this.”
Liverpool travelled without injured centre- back Joel Matip, who should recover from a groin problem in time for Saturday’s visit of Chelsea.
Midfielder Adam L allan a, who has yet to play a competitive match after a pre- season thigh injury, has travelled to Spain, however. But the England internationalist may still have to bide his time.
“He is getting nearer and nearer, but we need him f or the rest of the season and not for the next weeks,” Klopp told liverpoolfc. com.
“He is really knocking on the door and it’s fantastic that he is back. It’s great.”
LOOKING AHEAD “I like Mo [ Salah] and his goals but we don’t have to talk about that as it’s in the past. I’m more interested in his statistics tomorrow night”
JURGEN KLOPP