Liverpool vs. Villarreal: Jurgen Klopp’s Key Comments from Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp thinks a strong performance from his players against Villarreal on Thursday will be enough to see them through to the UEFA Europa League final, although he wouldn’t be drawn on whether Daniel Sturridge will be part of the effort.

A stoppage time winner from Adrian Lopez gave the La Liga club a crucial 1-0 advantage at the halfway point of this semi-final. Next they head to Anfield for the second leg, a venue where the Reds launched a stunning comeback against Borussia Dortmund to progress in the last round.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday at his pre-match news conference, Klopp said if his players show their best levels, they can make it through to the climax of the competition.

“We have 90-something minutes. It’s about being patient with the right direction, to show that we know about the game,” he said, per Joe Mewis of the Daily Mirror. “You cannot go to this game and say ‘we’ll see what happens’ then react. If we play our best, we can go to the final.”

Here’s a reminder of the winning goal from the first leg, per BT Sport Football:

Late, late drama at El Madrigal as Adrian Lopez gives the Yellow Submarine the advantage. #VILvLIV #UEL https://t.co/9BBPNVqGx9

— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2016

Sturridge’s role on the night will be fascinating. At the Madrigal, the England international didn’t even make it onto the pitch, while he played the full 90 minutes against Swansea City on Sunday in a side made up of fringe players.

Klopp knew the question about whether the forward would feature was coming, although he played it with a straight bat, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp asked if Sturridge will start?: “I was waiting for this question. He could be, 100%, but I’ve made no decision yet about the line up.”

— James Pearce …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com