Andy Robertson has called on his Liverpool teammates to give the disgruntled Anfield masses something to cheer about, as the Reds attempt to bounce back from a first-leg defeat in the Champions League.
Wednesday night’s clash with Galatasaray feels like a season-defining clash for Arne Slot’s men, with a Champions League exit at the last-16 stage only further adding fuel to the fire that the Dutchman should be dismissed.
The 1-0 loss on the road at RAMS Park has since been followed up by an uninspiring 1-1 draw at the hands of Igor Tudor’s relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur, with another drab display surely making the mood even more toxic on Merseyside.
Despite all the negativity consuming Liverpool at the moment, Robertson appeared to be in a defiant mood when talking to the media in the build-up to the crucial second leg showdown, as Slot and Co. look to collect their first win since comfortably beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 in the FA Cup.
Robertson’s pre-match comments
Coincidentally, that same match saw the Scotsman collect a goal and an assist, despite seeing his first-team minutes be restricted this season.
He will fancy his chances of a starting spot against Oran Buruk’s visitors, as he faced the media to answer an onslaught of questions.
Refusing to give a clear answer to the uncertainty of his expiring contract, he – instead – fired back clearly about Liverpool’s inconsistent form.
Robertson stated: “We are all frustrated we can’t find consistency because last season that’s what set us apart. It’s hard to put the finger on why.
We are all working towards it, but for whatever reason, we haven’t found it yet.
But we can’t give up trying. That’s the only way we are going to turn this season around.
We are still in the FA Cup and have to sort our league form out. That’s a fact.”
He also commented on the restlessness of Liverpool supporters after the Spurs misstep, who are becoming ever more agitated, as the reigning Premier League champions are nowhere near the dizzy heights of last campaign.
Robertson further stated: “I don’t think we are concerned about that. The most disappointing thing is the fans went home unhappy.
That gives you the biggest satisfaction that people are heading back to the pubs or their families and they are happy.
But that concerns us we haven’t.
Under the lights, with those fans and that stadium, they always produce special nights. I’ve been so lucky to have so many in my time here and I don’t think tomorrow night will be any different.
But we have to give them something to cheer.”
Robertson also acknowledged the pivotal nature of the Champions League tie, with a loss killing Liverpool’s confidence even more.
He concluded: “We believe this squad is good enough to be in last eight of Champions League but we have to show it.
We didn’t show it enough last week, we struggled all over the pitch and the performance level has to go up.
In the Champions League we’ve had good performances and we have to show that again.
It’s a massive game as it’s the next game, but it’s massive because we believe we can get through the tie.
It’s up to all of us to produce a performance and send the fans home happier.”
It has all the makings of being a fiery Champions League clash, as Galatasaray aim to pile up the misery, while Robertson and Co. strive to turn around their faltering fortunes.
Who will come out on top? For Slot’s sake, Liverpool will hopefully respond with a bang.
