The Brazilian’s poor run of form since his heroics against Manchester City continued here in Switzerland, as he struggled to combine with his team-mates and repeatedly gave the ball away.
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It was an evening where the alpine scenery in Sion bore too much resemblance to the turf, players uncertain whether to wear football boots or ice skates. Those unfortunate enough to witness the game might be surprised that the latter statistic is so high! The question is, is Daniel Sturridge just a drain on the Liverpool payroll?
That being said, even though the match finished level, the quality on display was so shocking it kind of feels like everyone lost.
Liverpool announced that Sturridge had suffered a hamstring injury during Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle.
“He did really well and I like how he did when he was on the pitch”.
Liverpool created a few half-chances early, with Origi and Firmino both attempting shots from outside the box.
Liverpool missed Can while he was suspended against Newcastle.
‘This was not a game to make something special, we had to take the conditions and make something’.
For the reds, Jordan Henderson started his first game for nearly 4 months whilst Coutinho returned to action – coming on as a substitute for the final 30 minutes.
Liverpool do have a lot of options in midfield and when the entire team is fit, it certainly will be a problem for them to accommodate nearly everyone.
Randall, fresh off a new contract, slots in at right fullback after a good performance against Southampton last midweek.
It has been more than three years since Liverpool scored at least two goals in successive European games (five at Young Boys and two against Udinese in 2012). Hence, one can expect manager FC Sion manager Didier Tholot to instruct his team to sit back, absorb pressure and push forward in bursts, once they win the ball back.
Klopp admits his team did not produce their best display, although he was ultimately satisfied by their efforts. “If we handle them like horses than they will be horses”. “But tonight they have to win to go through and if we win we finish first in the group and that’s what we want to do”.
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Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur both advanced to the knockout stages of the Europa League as winners of their groups on Thursday as the likes of Fiorentina, Marseille and Anderlecht also progressed to the last 32.
