Klopp admits he is completely focused on second leg Europa game

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists that his team’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie with Atalanta is not over yet, and he is 100% focused on getting the best possible result when they travel to Italy for the second leg on Thursday. Liverpool lost the first leg of the tie 3-0 at Anfield thanks to a brace from Gianluca Scammaca and Mario Pasalic’s lone goal.

Since then, the Reds have been in poor form, failing to win any of their last three in all competitions, culminating in the weekend’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

While Atalanta have never made it to the semi-final of the competition, they will feel like they stand a chance with a 3-0 lead from the first leg, although Jurgen Klopp believes there’s a chance at redemption for his team in Bergamo.

“I’m long enough in this business to know that it’s two legs. It’s over when it’s over. We are allowed to play tomorrow, which means it has our 100% focus. We are only here for one reason. I remember that I said, ‘if we fail, let’s do it in the most beautiful way’ – and that’s exactly how I see it again,” Klopp said.

It’s not the first time that Liverpool will be seeking to overcome a first-leg deficit in a European competition, as they have done even under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 against Barcelona in the same competition with the same scoreline.

However, as Klopp winds down during his time at Anfield, he hopes to win the UEFA Europa League, the only team he’s failed to win as the Reds manager.

Liverpool can still go far in the competition if they can overcome Atalanta on Thursday, although their Premier League hopes are hanging in the balance.

Liverpool’s Travelling Team.

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian

Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Tsimikas

Midfielders: Mac Allister, Endo, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Elliott, Jones, McConnell, Clark

Forwards: Jota, Salah, Nunez, Diaz, Gakpo, Danns.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu