Liverpool were pretty woeful on Wednesday night this week. The Reds were thoroughly bested by Atalanta at Anfield, missing out on a chance to qualify early for the knockout phases of the Champions League. It was a disappointing performance but Kopites needn’t worry. Liverpool lost to Atalanta for the same reason they’ll beat Ajax.
Liverpool 0-2 Atalanta
A much rotated Liverpool side were subdued at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Italian visitors were determined not to lose the game and that was reflected in their pressing.
Liverpool barely got a moment on the ball, we were suffocated in possession.
As good as Atalanta were, we were poor as well. A much rotated side just wasn’t clicking.
The visitors took advantage and scored two excellent second half goals to take home the three points.
Liverpool need pressure
Liverpool lost last night because the pressure was off.
We didn’t need to win the game so we put out a second string side and they played like a second string side.
There is a real mentality issue with this side and it is hardly even one we can complain about.
When they have to win a game they absolutely will, we have seen this in their league performances.
However, when the pressure is off, like last night or after the title was secured, performance levels drop off too.
Liverpool will beat Ajax
The logic above points to Liverpool really turning it on next week and beating Ajax at Anfield.
The pressure will be on, the Reds know that one more win will secure qualification and anything but will leave them needing a result going away to Midtjylland.
Leaving it until the final day is a scenario everyone will want to avoid, putting pressure on the need to get a result on Tuesday night.
Liverpool will beat Ajax.