Atalanta are calling Liverpool’s go to “some of the vital matches” of their historical past, they usually know Jurgen Klopp‘s facet will likely be out to check their resolve.
The Reds are 3-0 right down to their Italian counterparts forward of Thursday’s second leg, a bonus that leaves Klopp’s males with all of it to do in Bergamo.
At Anfield, Liverpool dominated possession (70 %) and created three massive possibilities for themselves, however in the end transformed none to depart their Europa League hopes hanging by a thread.
And whereas Klopp will likely be rallying his squad, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has been making ready his facet for the psychological battle of not permitting the guests again into the tie.
“We all know the problem, for us, they’ll all the time be that crew. Despite the fact that we received the primary leg, tomorrow we begin once more at 0-0,” he informed the press.
“Our focus must be not to consider the results of the primary leg, it must be our objective.
“They’ve their very own identification, a really exact one. I count on the very best Liverpool doable, with a crew that can come right here to play for all their possibilities, we must play an incredible match to get a outcome.
“We’re pleased to play a match of fine high quality in entrance of our followers.”
Liverpool haven’t scored in both of their final two fixtures, and their final clear sheet got here throughout the journey to Forest – to say they’re off form is an understatement.
It doesn’t reduce the importance for the Italian facet, who’re aiming to succeed in their first European semi-final since 1988 – which we nonetheless hope Liverpool can thwart.
“We all know that it is going to be some of the vital matches in historical past, if not crucial,” Gasperini stated. “However these are issues which are stated on the eve of the match, then the second comes after we must know methods to isolate ourselves.
“We should, figuring out that the result’s what counts.
“We need to progress, it’s actually unacceptable to lose as a result of spirit and mentality, we should go onto the pitch with this focus, considering that Liverpool are a beatable crew.”
To progress, Liverpool must defy historical past having by no means progressed to the subsequent spherical in European competitors after dropping the primary leg at Anfield – however there may be all the time a primary time for every part!
