Klopp keen for Liverpool to take their ‘big opportunity’
LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp insists it is time to put right the wrongs of their inconsistent Champions League campaign.
Three away group game defeats have left the Reds needing to beat Napoli either 1-0 or by two clear goals at Anfield tonight.
The on-the-road rot began in Naples where Klopp’s side controlled much of the game only to concede a stoppage-time winner to Lorenzo Insigne.
They have since lost to Red Star Belgrade and Paris St Germain away from home to leave them in third place in Group C facing a win-or-bust – with certain caveats – home game against the Italians.
“We knew it after the Napoli game that that was not good enough. Belgrade was not better. Paris was an okay away game, in the Champions League you can lose against PSG in their stadium,” said Klopp. “We gave them a proper game, but we lost it. So far at home we ,are good, we have to be even better [tonight].
“I told the boys I really think if nothing special happens with referee decisions, we get [tonight] what we deserve.
“We caused the situation in a good way and in a bad way. Now we have the chance to go through, that is special after the campaign we played so far.
“It is a big opportunity for us and we will try everything to put it right.
“If someone gives you a chance, it is about you and using it.”
Liverpool went top of the Premier League at the weekend after they beat Bournemouth and Manchester City subsequently lost at Chelsea.
The results put them one point ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side, but Klopp said it meant nothing at this stage of the season and would play no part in their preparations for the Champions League.
“We will not change. It is December, not even Christmas. The season ends in May.
“We will not get carried away. We know how difficult it is,” he added.