Should Liverpool be worried? At first glance, the question may seem odd. Why should a team who contested a Champions League final nine months ago and is riding high domestically have concerns?
There is, however, an issue Liverpool must address if their European adventure is to continue beyond March 13 at Bayern Munich — travel sickness has afflicted Jurgen Klopp’s squad and it threatens to undermine their ambitions. The manager knows it, so do his players.
Liverpool have appeared in the Europa League and Champions League finals on Klopp’s watch but their surges to Basle in 2016 and Kiev last season were formed on the back of breathless nights at Anfield, the kind that will be revisited time and again in years to come.
Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Manchester City and Roma were blown away in a cyclone of relentless attacking football, but the return encounters were anything but straightforward.
The only victory on the road against those five teams was at the Etihad Stadium last April, and even that might have ended differently had Pep Guardiola’s side not had a goal wrongly disallowed.
In all, Liverpool have been successful in just two of the seven knockout games they have played away under Klopp.
The theme continued in the group stages this season when, for the first time in club history, they were beaten in three consecutive European trips.
Little wonder, then, that Bayern’s players departed Anfield with a telling swagger after Tuesday night’s goalless draw.
The tide is turning back in favour of the Bavarians; their breath is on Dortmund’s necks in the Bundesliga and belief is flooding through the club that they will overhaul their rivals.
Munich officials are convinced that knocking Liverpool out of Europe will be the key to a successful defence of their domestic title and Niko Kovac’s squad are sure they can finish the job at the Allianz Arena.
‘We are in a better position than most expected but it’s not like the door is wide open,’ said Germany defender Mats Hummels.
‘Our plan worked out. We wanted to keep Liverpool’s fans quiet. They tried to be loud but we took some time off the clock. We must win the return leg but, for us, it is possible.’
It is also possible for Liverpool, no matter how poor they have been on the road in Europe.
Klopp’s front three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino tend to show up when it matters and the suspension of Bayern’s outstanding right back Joshua Kimmich may be key.
‘If we score, they have to score two,’ said midfielder Gini Wijnaldum. ‘It isn’t a bad result for them but it isn’t a bad result for us, either. I’m not worried.’
Zaomsz
1
the main issue with Liverpool attack is lack of rotation. Mane, Sallah and Firmino have been on the front since the kick off of the season. No rest. they seem tired
matabdikl
0
Liverpool will win the game
Sehbdklpy
0
liverpool can deal with this games
AntonZenob
2
football
yes
nuncilrt
2
Let bayern forget about it Liverpool is going to win them at there home
Maybiostu
1
in Germany Liverpool is da looser OK, so start picking n focus on epl plz.
Sidney05
0
Bayern have a good chance here. Alaba and Kimmich DO have the strength to stop Salah and Mane. I'm expecting Gnabry to play and score! I expect sule to do good aswell. MARCH ON BAYERN!! Mia san mia
Kimmich is suspended for the return leg
Jero Kings
0
Liverpool is going to win Bayern mark my word
ladabikty
0
They should not be worried.. Bayern are off form right..?🤣
Bayern aren't out of form any longer
Zucabknpru
4
Bayern have a good chance here. Alaba and Kimmich DO have the strength to stop Salah and Mane. I'm expecting Gnabry to play and score! I expect sule to do good aswell. MARCH ON BAYERN!! Mia san mia
SIMSV_
0
They should not be worried.. Bayern are off form right..?🤣
Salahliver
2
What’s wrong with goalless draw at anfield did you guys think Bayern is a small team..they won Bundesliga just last year and this year they are second like Liverpool so what’s the big deal? Come March Liverpool will win or get away goal to qualify to the next level YNWA 💋💋
Rusikmny
0
With most of our players back by then we should avoid humiliation but I don't think we'll get very far this year...our attack has stopped performing apart from firmino..the midfield seems to be coming together the key defensive players are just about back.But the problem is attack because that is our greatest strength make the opponents scared to attack because of fear of being caught out ...idk if it's just me but...
There is no problem with them. The problem is their confidence. Mane n Salah are not selfish, in football, as a forward u must take your chances.
joudelpsyz
0
With most of our players back by then we should avoid humiliation but I don't think we'll get very far this year...our attack has stopped performing apart from firmino..the midfield seems to be coming together the key defensive players are just about back.But the problem is attack because that is our greatest strength make the opponents scared to attack because of fear of being caught out ...idk if it's just me but...
the front two are being selfish,mane and salah is our problem. the two are playing selfish game of who to score, klopp should address else both EPL and champions league will be history this season.
Colleen
1
With most of our players back by then we should avoid humiliation but I don't think we'll get very far this year...our attack has stopped performing apart from firmino..the midfield seems to be coming together the key defensive players are just about back.But the problem is attack because that is our greatest strength make the opponents scared to attack because of fear of being caught out ...idk if it's just me but...
Biuckmsuz
0
football