Alfred Schreuder has admitted that there was a big difference between Liverpool and Ajax last night.
The Ajax boss spoke to ajax.nl after the game, and, despite a good start, said that the Reds had simply shown ‘more guts’ than his team.
“You have to look at the first half. There were a lot of good things in it. Then you have to reward yourself. The boys were well prepared, there was confidence to do well. They followed the plan well,” he said. “The biggest difference with Liverpool was that there was more guts. You saw that it was rewarded.”
After a wobbly opening half hour, Liverpool hit their hosts with a three-goal sucker-punch either side of half-time. No coming back for the Dutch Champions as they exit the competition.
Liverpool ease through to set up Napoli showdown
During the opening half hour or so last night, Liverpool fans could be forgiven for being a little worried.
Steven Berghuis probably should have had two goals within the opening 15 minutes, as Ajax carved the Reds open.
Still not assured of their knockout place, Liverpool could have been looking at needing a final-day result against red-hot Napoli once again.
As it turned out, supporters needn’t have been so agitated. Liverpool have put their fans through the ringer a few times this season, but they eventually eased through this one.
Guts isn’t something we’ve been able to associate too much with the Reds this season. But playing a brand-new system away from home against a side who are top of their domestic league is pretty bold.
After hanging in there, they more than deserved the margin of victory.
Now, it’s a straight shootout for Napoli for top spot in the group. To knock the Italians off their perch, Liverpool would have to better the 4-1 scoreline they went down by in Naples.
That seems a bit of a longshot against a side who have now won 12 games on the spin. But the Reds should have revenge on their minds after a dismal showing on Matchday 1. There may be a few hairy moments, but this is still a Jurgen Klopp side. And in the image of their manager, they’ll show fight until the end.
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