Liverpool boss Klopp asks players to forget Barca defeat

Messi scored the third goal in Liverpool
Messi scored the third goal in Liverpool

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp believes his team can put their 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona out of mind and focus on winning Saturday's crucial Premier League trip to Newcastle.

Liverpool trail leaders Manchester City by a point heading into the final two games of the Premier League season and the German said there was no need for him to boost his players' morale after the loss in Spain, in the semi-final, first leg.

"We didn't need to pick players up in Barcelona andgive them a hug. It's in us. If you want to win in football you have to acceptthat you can lose. I had more positive thoughts about the game than negativebecause of what we did on the pitch," said Klopp, who is also not worriedabout fatigue.

"The boys are completely on fire. When you're in therace, you don't get tired. We are ambitious like hell. All we can do is beatNewcastle and that's unbelievably difficult, what other teams do on Mondaynight isn't our problem," he said, referring to Manchester City's homegame with Leicester City.

"The performances in recent weeks have been brilliant.Now we need to carry on like this," he added.

Klopp will be without midfielder Naby Keita who has beenruled out for two months after suffering an adductor injury at the Nou Camp.

Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in full trainingafter returning from a year-long injury absence, as a substitute in the 5-0 winover Huddersfield last week.

Klopp, however, refused to be drawn on whetherOxlade-Chamberlain would start at St James' Park.

"We will see. For sure he will be in the squad and wewill decide who starts." he said.

The German was asked about the possibility of a titleplayoff game, which would only occur if the Liverpool and Manchester City endedthe season level on points, goal difference and goals scored.

"Wow, I didn't think about that to be honest. It wouldbe cool but I don't think it's too likely," he said.

"When would it be? Between the last game and FA Cup orafter that? It would fit with the season, a big showdown at high noonsomewhere," he said.

Liverpool's second leg with Barca is at Anfield on Tuesday and they complete their domestic campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 12.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
Ajel
english.ajel.sa