Three weeks ago, Liverpool were in inconsistent form and going into the first leg of this Champions League tie hoping to gain momentum.
Jurgen Klopp’s team played well and beat the second-best side in Germany 2-0.
Three weeks on consistency has been good.
Just in the complete opposite way you would imagine.
Since that game in Budapest the Premier League champions have lost every game they’ve had at Anfield scoring zero goals.
The fake crowd do not even bother turning up anymore.
Away to bottom of the league Sheffield United was Liverpool’s only win which says everything you need to know.
But there is a 2-0 lead to hold onto for this round of 16 second leg, which will again be played in Budapest.
In his press conference Klopp was trying his best to be as upbeat as possible as he gave reasons why he thinks his team can still compete amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League.
“Two things the quality and football in general. You always have a chance in the next game.
“It’s half time, we have to play the game. I have no doubt about us. We will give it a proper fight.”
Fight.
It has been missing from every single one of the players that have given supporters memories that will last a lifetime in recent months.
They all look mentally and physically drained.
Which the six losses on the bounce at Anfield epitomises.
Klopp needs to galvanise them, immediately, as this season can still be a success if the Champions League campaign goes extremely well although it looks very unlikely on paper.
Even though it was the press conference for the Leipzig game there was a couple of questions about Klopp’s future as Germany Manager Joachim Low has announced he will step down after the European Championships this summer.
He gave a swift answer which would have calmed supporters down as he said: “Am I available for the German job this summer? No.”
No one wants to see him leave and would like to see manage the club forever if possible so any ‘Klopp out’ talks are a load of absolute rubbish.
Everyone trusts him to do the best job possible, even if he is going through as he put it one of the worst times through his managerial career.
Injury news for the game is once again not too positive.
Roberto Firmino was no pictured in training after picking up a knee injury so will likely miss the game.
Caoimhin Kelleher was also not pictured in training but there was no confirmation on whether the Irish goalkeeper will be unavailable.
Ozan Kabak though was back in training and should be fit to start.
It would make sense for Kabak to start alongside Nat Phillips to get Fabinho back in midfield and Klopp seems to have already planned something but was not revealing what.
“I don’t know with Fab, we have to see. Or I know, but I don’t say!
“Having Fab back is good. He missed Fulham from start as two games is dangerous in our situation” said the German.
In the dismal defeat against Fulham Naby Keita was the only one who looked ok and will be hoping to start against his former club possibly alongside Thiago for the first time.
With no Firmino Diogo Jota should start in a front three with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane who will be looking to get back on the scoresheet just like in the first leg.
It has been a woeful few weeks and even months for Liverpool.
However, this competition can bring hope as long as the six-time European Cup winners put in a professional disciplined performance to get through to the quarter-finals.
Written by Elliot Thompson
