Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson is confident they can progress to the Champions League quarter-finals but admits their second-leg tie with Bayern Munich has to be forgotten about because of domestic priorities.
A goalless draw at home to Bayern on Tuesday means a score draw in Germany on March 13 would be enough to send Jurgen Klopp’s side through.
Despite failing to create many chances or properly threaten goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at Anfield, Robertson remains optimistic about their chances.
“We were at home so of course we were disappointed,” he said.
“We came up against a very experienced team, a team that has been there and done it for six or seven years now.
“They knew how to frustrate us and how to frustrate the fans and they did it well but we had chances and if we had taken them on another day the result would be different.
“A clean sheet at home in the Champions League is so crucial because we know when we go over there and if we can grab one it means they have to score two.
“These are all things that come into play and if we can be a bit more clinical I think we can score over there.
“We back ourselves to win any game, whether it is home or away, which is why we are disappointed.
“Going over there is a new challenge but there’s probably a bit more pressure on them than us because they are at home and their fans will start demanding things.
“We can try to play our game, try to create the chances we need and try to get goals and if that happens then it puts us in the driving seat.”
However, with a huge match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, the Scotland captain said Bundesliga champions Bayern would be put on the back-burner.
“It’s a long way away and it needs to be put to the back of the mind because we have some big Premier League games coming up so Bayern is forgotten about for now,” he added.
With current leaders Manchester City, top of the table on goal difference, playing in the Carabao Cup, Liverpool have a chance to regain first place with their game in hand on Pep Guardiola’s side.
Their meeting with United at Anfield in mid-December, a 3-1 victory, proved to be Jose Mourinho’s final game in charge.
But under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United are the top-flight’s form side.
“Another huge game. I think it will be a bit of a different game than when we faced them last time,” said Robertson.
“Obviously there was a lot going on at the club at that time and it ended up being their manager’s last game.
“But under this new manager they have picked up and are a very different team, especially at home, and it will be a tough task.
“We need to bring our ‘A’ game and if we can do that then hopefully it will be enough to win.”
Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum also expects a different game against a Solskjaer-inspired United.
“I think it is going to be a real big change,” said the Holland midfielder.
“The way we are playing we have the quality to create chances [in the second leg]. That’s why I’m happy we didn’t concede." Gini reflects on last night's performance. 👊 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 20, 2019
“Since the new manager came in there is a new flow, they played good games and have won a lot and that is building confidence in the team.
“It’s also a home game for them so they will have a lot of confidence as they don’t have the problems they had before.
“It is going to be a difficult game but I’m looking forward to it.”
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