For the second consecutive year, Liverpool will be taking part in the Champions League semi-final.
After comprehensively beating Porto 6-1 on aggregate the Reds face their toughest task yet, a date with fellow European giants Barcelona.
Liverpool enter this game in red hot form, winning the last 10 in all competitions and are full of confidence having just reached 91 points in the league after a 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield. The Reds will be wary of the threat Barcelona pose but won’t fear going head to head with one of the world’s best sides.
While Liverpool’s campaign is being finished with a full-on sprint, Barcelona’s recent weeks have been a bit calmer. They have just this past weekend, with a 1-0 win over Levante, secured their eighth league title in the last 11 years.
Their lead at the top is so big that the last few weeks have been fully focused on the Champions League and Barcelona will be fully prepared and rested to accomplish their season’s main goal.
This promises to be an exciting tie between the two remaining favourites to win it all filled with goals and great moments as some of the world’s best battle it out.
I spoke to @totalBarca to get their thoughts on Barca’s campaign so far, Ernesto Valverde, former Liverpool player Philippe Coutinho, the upcoming match and more.
It’s clear that Barcelona’s main goal this season has been to win the Champions League for the first time since 2015. After securing the league title this past weekend and with a Copa del Rey final looming will this season be deemed a failure if the club does not win the Champions League?
Absolutely not. Winning the league so consistently has become a luxury in which we feel entitled to and sometimes forget just how difficult it is to actually achieve. While the Champions League is certainly at the top of most fans priority list, collecting a domestic double makes for yet another great season.
Looking back on the season so far how would you rate it?
I would rate this season very highly. So many great games and moments. Our level has been so exceptionally high this season, for pretty much the entire way. Very happy with it so far!
For anyone unfamiliar with the side how would you describe Barcelona’s performances on the pitch?
I’d describe our performances as selective dominance. When we really need to turn it on we always do and most of the time it doesn’t end very well for our opponent. For example against United, we ended the tie in the first 20 minutes at home. Then we cruised for the rest of the game in second gear. The players ensure that they keep their very best for when it’s most needed and it’s certainly needed on Wednesday.
Something that always seems to be a talking point on social media is the future of manager Ernesto Valverde. Some think he’s done a great job so far while others think he has undeformed. What are your thoughts on the boss?
I’m very happy with Ernesto. Losing only about five games in two years is exceptional. While most fans won’t be able to see past the Rome disaster we do have an exceptional coach. He’s turned our defence into a brick wall while still ensuring our forwards have the opportunity to kill teams. He’s a great man.
Another thing I’ve noticed being discussed by Barca fans has been how much the side benefits from having the second leg in Champions League ties being played at the Camp Nou. Do you share those same thoughts and if so do you worry that the second leg will be played at Anfield?
I think most fans would want the second leg to be at home in most ties. While that is normally always the priority, having the first leg at home doesn’t bother me too much in this instance as we always need a little bit of time to adjust to the opponent at the start of the game. Therefore being able to do this at home, instead of being stunned at Anfield may turn out to be good for us.
What would you consider a positive result on Wednesday?
A positive result is a win. A clean sheet would always be great.
I’ll be remiss not to ask you about former Liverpool player Philippe Coutinho. He hasn’t had the best of seasons and I think it’s fair to say that his time at the club has been relatively disappointing so far. What are your thoughts on the Brazilian?
Coutinho has definitely struggled for most of the season. It’s been difficult for him to adapt, especially playing in the position he plays in. However, he’s still provided the goods, especially in big games. I expect a lot from him over these two games.
What is the mood amongst the fan base heading into this match?
The fanbase is excited but also wary. This is a fanbase that priorities the Champions League, but since the Rome disaster last season, have been extremely pessimist entering most Champions League ties. The faith in Messi is unreal though and he alone makes us favourites in most fans’ eyes.
Looking forward to the game now what is Barcelona’s biggest strength and weakness?
Our biggest strength is our ability to control the game and pick off goals as we please. Especially at home. Before you know it we’re 70 minutes in and we’ve scored three times. A possible weakness would be playing through the press, especially from the back. Busquets has to be on form for us to overcome this.
Who has been the sides best players this season (other than Lionel Messi obviously) and who has been the worst or most disappointing player?
Ter Stegen or Pique definitely. Probably ter Stegen in the league and Pique in the Champions League. As for the most disappointing player, there hasn’t been many disappointments although most fans expected Coutinho to push on from last season and have an incredible season which hasn’t really happened. Umtiti’s form due to his knee injuries has also been quite disappointing.
What is the key for Barcelona to get a good result on Wednesday?
We just have to play our game. We can’t get sucked into playing how Liverpool want to play. If we play as we normally have in big games this season we will certainly get a good result.
What is your biggest worry heading into the match?
Liverpool’s attacking ability to score so much would definitely be something to look out for especially as any goal is an away goal.
How do you rate this Liverpool side?
This Liverpool team are good, very good. But they don’t have the experience or pedigree that we have.
Which Liverpool player has impressed you the most so far this season?
Virgil van Dijk. He’s proven he is truly elite.
How do you see Valverde lining up his side?
Will most probably be a normal 4-3-3 with either Coutinho or Dembele partnering Messi and Suarez. Rakitic, Arthur and Busquets with Alba, Pique, Lenglet and either Roberto or Semedo at the back. Ter Stegen in goal. Arturo Vidal may have played his way into the coach’s plans with his recent form but who knows.
How do you see the match playing out?
I see us dominating the game as we normally do, and hopefully scoring many goals in the process!
