Liverpool came out on top by a solitary goal after an entertaining UEFA Champions League clash away from home against Girona.
Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty gave the Reds all three points as they made it through to the Round of 16 with two group-stage games to spare.
In what turned out to be an entertaining game of football, the host gave Liverpool a run for their money as they showed their class in transition and threatened to peg back, although the Reds hung on to get the job done.
And Girona manager Michel feels his side can leave with their heads held high as he agreed with what Arne Slot said about Liverpool’s frailties on the night.
Michel says Girona really hurt Liverpool in transitions
Girona came out all guns blazing and had a few shots on goal in the first half as they aimed to break the deadlock.
However, despite bypassing Liverpool and getting into the penalty area, they were thwarted by Alisson Becker, who made five saves to keep his side in the game.
Salah eventually scored in the second half and the Reds once again weathered a late storm from the hosts to see of the game, but anyone who watched the game would agree that Girona put in a spirited showing.
Michel feels his side created a lot of chances but couldn’t get their shooting boots on as he suggested that Girona succeeded in breaking Liverpool down.
“Today we had chances to score, but we couldn’t,” said Michel in his post-match press conference.
“In the first half, we played well. Taking the ball away from Liverpool is very complicated.
“We had the possibility of making transitions with the ball and generating scoring chances. I am very happy for that. If we are able to score a goal, every match changes.”
“Every game is different. Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world and we thought the ball would be more for them.
What did Slot say about Liverpool?
Despite Liverpool coming away with all three points and booking their place in the Round of 16, Slot was far from happy with the way his team played and barely afford a smile in his post-match press conference.
The Dutchman expressed his disappointment at the Reds’ lack of control – particularly in the first half – and also admitted that they can’t go far in the competition if they concede as many chances as they did against Girona.
“Every time we lost the ball we were not aggressive enough, so every time we lost the ball they could almost every time go all the way to our goal, having a shot or a blocked shot, and then we could attack again.
“Hardly any control at all over the game; maybe the second half was a bit better, but then I am trying to be positive.”
“Alisson made a lot of saves, but I think if you make highlights of this game we will all see a few chances that we had as well, which is normal. What is not normal is that we concede so many chances.”
Looking at the comments from both managers, it’s clear they are on the same page as Liverpool conceded more chances than they would have liked.
Girona failed to capitalise on their opportunities, but on another day, it could have been a completely different story for Liverpool.
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