Top-class performance needed to "even have a chance" to win tonight says Klopp

Liverpool play Inter Milan in their first round of 16 match tonight

Author: Alex UsherPublished 16th Feb 2022

Liverpool face Inter Milan tonight in their first round of 16 match in this year's Champions League.

After making history by being the first English side to win all of their Champions League group matches, it's fair to say Klopp's Reds are on top form.

However, Klopp insists that as great as it was, their previous achievements won't help them take a victory in Italy tonight.

"It was good but we didn't expect that in a group. I didn't think there was a chance to do that but they boys did it and it was incredible. It doesn't help us now, obviously. It just shows that we are a good football team but I knew that before", said Klopp.

"This Inter is a top top-class team, top-class players, top-class manager, with all respect to other teams they are probably the best team this year again in Italy.

"They look really rock solid and we need to show a top class performance to even have a chance, but why shouldn't we try?

"We need fresh legs for this game and that's why it's so important that we have the chance to change five times in this game. It's a massive boost for football in general in a really tough period of the year.

Henderson fit for tonight's game

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is fit to travel to Inter Milan for their last-16 Champions League first leg.

The midfielder sustained a gashed knee in Sunday's win at Burnley but is set to fly out with the rest of the team.

But with both Thiago, Elliot and Keita fully fit, there has been speculation as to who will start in tonight's midfield.

Jordan Henderson at Turf Moor last Sunday

There is also an abundance of choices when it comes to who will start in Liverpool's front three tonight, as an in-form Jota looks to take Firmino's starting place.

January signing Luis Diaz has been added to the squad and is likely to make his European debut for the club in the San Siro.

Meanwhile, Sadio Mané is fresh off a win at this years African Cup of Nation, after beating Mo Salah's Egypt in the final on penalties.

Klopp has said that they're both in excellent form despite the intense tournament.

The Liverpool manager said: "Both boys don't drink alcohol at all. That's the major problem you have if you celebrate a major thing. That extends the recovery time. They were fit the day after the game, they're both a force of nature."

Sadio Mané holding the Africa Cup of Nations

Inter can still cause problems despite form

The defending Serie A champions have picked up just one point in their last two matches after a defeat to city rivals AC and last weekend's draw at Napoli.

Jurgen Klopp's side, by comparison, have lost just once since November and are on a six-match winning run.

Inter boss Simeone Inzaghi, who took over from Antonio Conte in the summer, feels as though his side can cause the Reds problems.

"We knew it would be a busy period for us. I am very happy with the performances," said Inzaghi.

"Against Milan we were excellent for the first 70 minutes, against Napoli we were excellent in the second half.

"I would have preferred more points but I am happy about the display.

"We played two very good games against two very good teams who will be fighting for the title until the end.

"The second half (against Napoli) we came back with a great spirit and determination to win the match and so the second half makes me confident for tomorrow's game."

Inter are in the last 16 for the first time in 10 years and Inzaghi accepts his side are the underdogs in the tie.

Lorenzo Insigne of Napoli scores from a penalty against Inter Milan

Trent has faith the Reds can win a treble

Having lifted the Champions League and Premier League in back-to-back years in 2019 and 2020, last season was a barren one for the Reds and the players have set themselves the minimum requirement of securing at least one piece of silverware per year.

But Alexander-Arnold thinks their continued involvement in four competitions means there are greater riches to be had, even if chasing down Manchester City's nine-point lead looks a tough ask in the Premier League.

"Definitely on all four fronts it makes it easier having so many great players in the team," he said.

"But the seasons when we won the Champions League and almost won the league we showed people we can compete on multiple fronts.

"To be in all four fronts is good for us. Our focus is on making sure we are still in all four competitions for as long as we can go."

Trent Alexander-Arnold training alongside James Milner and Divock Origi

"Looking at it now there is only the league that is not really in our hands, all the other cup competitions we are in we believe we can win them or beat everyone on our day if we get it right", Trent added.

"So the only one is the league - and anything can happen there. It is important for us to keep winning games.

"I don't think nine points gap is much pressure but we need to keep as much pressure on as we can, make sure we win the game in hand and take it to six.

"There is not much in our hands but anything can happen in this league so make sure we are in a position to pounce if they slip.

"The other three competitions we believe we are able to win them."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.