It was one for the ages. In May, Liverpool took on Barcelona at Anfield. The Reds were 3-0 down after a devastating first leg at the Nou Camp. The odds were against Jürgen Klopp‘s men as they began the game needing to score at least 3 without the help of their talismanic forwards Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino. However, somehow, by some divine miracle, the Reds pulled off the greatest comeback in European history. Liverpool shocked the world as they put 4 past Leo Messi’s Barcelona. Jürgen Klopp has revealed what it was he said to his men before their historic comeback.
The German gaffer has written in the Players’ Tribune about his journey to the pinnacle of football. During the article he recalls the teamtalk he gave at Anfield before Liverpool faced Barcelona, saying “Mostly, I talked about tactics. But I also told them the truth”. The truth was that the Reds were huge underdogs due to the scoreline and the notable absentees, he told his team “we have to play without two of the best strikers in the world. The world outside is saying it is not possible. And let’s be honest, it’s probably impossible.”
However, as ever, Jürgen had faith in his men, inspiring the underdogs by placing his faith in them, “because it’s you? Because it’s you, we have a chance.”
This never say die attitude is in the DNA of Liverpool, it is a trait that flares up on European nights under the lights – when the Reds need a miracle. Jürgen Klopp has managed to revive Anfield during his tenure and he has made these miracles possible again. Long may he reign.
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