Following Real Madrid’s 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield in the first leg of the Champions League’s round-of-16, it always seemed like the Reds had an impossible mission to get qualification at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It turns out that besides not getting that unexpected win, Jurgen Klopp’s side couldn’t even put in a performance to compete with the Galacticos, having lost again, this time with a simple 1-0 scoreline which didn’t flatter Real Madrid.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had a word with the media after the match, and when speaking to the Brazilian press, he made it clear that he was not happy with his team’s attitude on the pitch.
The 30-year-old was asked about the inconsistency that the Reds have been showing this season, and when speaking of this specific game, he believes his teammates didn’t do their best at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I think that every moment of the season had its reason and today we can say that it was the attitude of the players on the field. Perhaps because of the first game, which was a very elastic score. Coming here, beating Real Madrid away from home, it’s hard to… speaking as a human being now, it’s hard for you to create that expectation of qualifying,” Alisson told TNT Sports’ reporter Fred Caldeira.
“Now, man, I’m wearing the Liverpool shirt, I’m going to play against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. The least I have to do is give my best. So that’s my thought, I believe I did my best, I leave here with a clear head. And now speaking as a team, we have much more to do. And this season of ups and downs, every moment had its reason.
“We had injuries, I think we don’t like to talk about it in football. ‘We’re not going to use it as an excuse, but the injuries certainly hurt us. Now we only have one player left out, so that’s no longer an excuse. It’s been like this for over a month now.
“We had a fantastic, incredible game against United. Soon after, an inexplicable game against Bournemouth. And against Real Madrid, it’s not that we played badly, but we didn’t play enough to tie the game. There was a lack of attitude, a lot was lacking on our part.”
Liverpool’s squad is now set to take a good rest as they have over two weeks off during the international break.
The Reds are back in action on the 1st of April, when they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
“O PROBLEMA HOJE FOI A ATITUDE DOS JOGADORES EM CAMPO!” Em exclusiva ao nosso @fredcaldeira, Alisson ativou o modo sincero e falou sobre os motivos da temporada ruim do Liverpool. ❌ #CasaDaChampions pic.twitter.com/oVnTWvFofA
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) March 15, 2023
