Lucas believes the manner of the win could help Liverpool’s players
As the Reds entered the field after half-time, most thought it couldn’t get much worse than what we’d seen for most of the first half. But as Alberto Moreno once again demonstrated that there is still a long way to go in the process of making him a top-class left-back, 2-1 became 3-1 and the game probably looked dead and buried to most fans.
Considering how much the former manager used to love discussing his player’s ‘character’, had this result been taking place a mere few months ago, we’d probably have ended the game having lost by a couple more goals. But while Klopp’s Liverpool may currently still have the same defensive issues, that character Rodgers’ once talked about so much has been much more in evidence under the German.
And Klopp favourite, Lucas Leiva, has revealed the very simple message Jurgen passed on to his players at half-time that instigated the (eventual) comeback.
Speaking following the game (via the Liverpool Echo), Lucas said: “Of course, we are happy to get the result.
“Especially the way it was at half-time.
“The manager just said we had to find a way to win. We did it. Of course, it’s not the best way to win a game but maybe it was what we needed.”
It’s true that, while winning the game more comfortably might have been preferable, a last-gasp winner, deep into stoppage time after repeatedly coming from behind may actually see the players galvanised ahead of some massive games.
He continued: “We need to improve a lot but the passion, determination and belief is there. Hopefully, we’ll improve in things we’re not doing so well now and then move on.
“If we can score five goals and defend set-pieces especially a little bit better, we would be winning games more comfortably. It’s better to win the game but we know we have to improve.
“But it will give us a lot of belief. On Tuesday we have a very big game, a semi-final and a chance to go to Wembley. We will do everything we can to get there.
“It’s one of the biggest games of the season until now and a good chance for us to go to Wembley. We don’t need any more motivation.”
The game against Stoke City on Tuesday night will no doubt be the biggest in Jurgen’s short time at the club so far, and a win will set up a huge date at Wembley. And while conceding 4 to a Norwich was not the best preparation, the fact that Liverpool showed the fight, nerve and composure to pull themselves through may set them up for a big win on Tuesday night.
