Anfield vs history as Liverpool prepare for Villarreal clash
Spirit will be the key as Reds aim to torpedo Spain's Yellow Submarine in The Beatles' home city
Liverpool face Villarreal in tonight's Europa League semi-final needing another comeback. But manager Jurgen Klopp believes the "outstanding atmosphere" at Anfield can help the Reds torpedo the Spanish Yellow Submarine in the city of The Beatles.
The "cacophany" generated by the Kop during the team's amazing victory over Borussia Dortmund showed just how important the Anfield factor can be, says The Times.
"If we can create with our game a similar atmosphere as Dortmund, then it will be much more difficult for Villarreal than they imagine in this moment," said Klopp.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Reds trail 1-0 going into the second leg, after Villarreal's Denis Suarez scored in injury time at the end of the first game.
Now they "need to do what they did against Borussia Dortmund at Anfield, and make this a European night to remember", says the Daily Mail.
"Liverpool have an excellent record in the second legs of European semi-finals, particularly at Anfield, where they have won their last seven and conceded just one goal. Their fans will be needed to create an electric European atmosphere if they are to keep up their record, just as they were when Borussia Dortmund visited."
Once again, Klopp faces a "selection dilemma" over Daniel Sturridge, says the Times. "He must decide whether he needs the forward's firepower as Liverpool look to overturn a deficit or whether it is better to repeat the compact team structure that prevented Villarreal from dominating at home."
But with Divock Origi out injured and the manager obviously unconvinced by the merits of Sturridge and fellow striker Christian Benteke, Brazilian Roberto Firmino is likely to start up front, says Alistair Tweedale of the Daily Telegraph.
The lack of an obvious spearhead in attack "is in some sense Liverpool's greatest strength", he argues. "With no single, obvious goal-scorer to rely upon, others step up and share the burden.
"There is a collectivity to this Liverpool side; an acknowledgement that the team is more important than any individual; an acceptance that there is no star player."
That spirit could pay off handsomely in Klopp's first season at Anfield. "Another successful comeback will deliver a second final for Klopp in only seven months as Liverpool manager, leaving the team one win away from a return to the Champions League," notes The Guardian.
However, while the Reds will benefit from the backing of the Kop, history is against them as Spanish clubs have a daunting record against the English in recent seasons.
"Of the last 18 European knockout ties between the two nations, only one has been won by the English team," says the Daily Mail. "It's not the best omen ahead of another Anglo-Spanish affair at Anfield on Thursday night as Liverpool take on Villarreal for a place in the Europa League final."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
English football and the etiquette of leaving the stadium early
Talking Point The belief that 'true fans stay to the end' does not always apply
By The Week UK Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published
-
Has Liverpool been weakened by Jürgen Klopp’s ‘seven-year itch’?
feature After seven years at Anfield, critics are wondering whether his magic is wearing off
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League all-star game: ‘incredibly arrogant’ or natural ‘evolution’?
Talking Point Managers and pundits dismiss US-inspired idea from Chelsea co-owner
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published
-
Who is Darwin Nunez? The ‘modern striker’ signing for Liverpool
Why Everyone’s Talking About Portuguese club Benfica confirm a deal for the Uruguay international worth up to €100m
By Mike Starling Published
-
Uefa Champions League final: blame game begins for chaos in Paris
feature Liverpool call for an investigation as Uefa are accused of a ‘narrative of lies’
By Mike Starling Published
-
2022 Uefa Champions League final: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid preview, predictions and TV
feature Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s showpiece in Paris
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
2022 FA Cup final: Chelsea vs. Liverpool preview, predictions, kick-off time and TV coverage
feature Premier League rivals go head-to-head in another Wembley final
By Mike Starling Published