Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp says his side must be prepared to fight to take all three points in Serbia.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke to the media in Serbia last night. Klopp and his squad are due to play FK Crvena zvezda later this evening.
The Reds’ German manager was asked about FK Crvena’s unbeaten home record, which stretches to almost a year now, and if he feels the hostile atmosphere will be the biggest challenge for his team.
“Yes, the combination of atmosphere and football they play,” Klopp said. “We were really strong that night [at Anfield], but if we had been less good then Red Star would have been in the game.
“We are from Liverpool so we know… how big the influence can be [from the home crowd].
“The only way I know to cool the atmosphere down is to play really good football. That’s what we have to try, and to be ready for a fight, to be ready for a big game, and we will be ready.”
FK Crvena zvezda, or Red Star Belgrade as you may know them, generally have things all their own way when it comes to their domestic league. They lost one league game in the whole of last season and have won 14 of their opening 15 games this term, drawing the other.
However, in the Champions League, they have found it very difficult so far with just one point from three games. Red Star won that point in their 0-0 draw at home to Napoli. This is why Liverpool need to be careful. Red Star have already shown that they can put it up to the best on their home turf. Going into tonight’s fixture with any level of complacency would be disastrous for Liverpool.
Liverpool fans should make no mistake – any kind of win in Belgrade this evening should be considered a success. As mentioned above, Napoli had to settle for a draw here while PSG have yet to make the trip to Serbia. Red Star will be fighting tooth and nail to protect their proud home record.
Klopp is bound to rotate his starting eleven somewhat but experience will be needed at the Rajko Mitic Stadion. Warriors such as James Milner and Virgil van Dijk will be called upon to lift their team up. Focus is a must and patience will certainly be a virtue in a venue that is known to test the most hardened professionals.
Klopp says they will be ready – they have to be.
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