05 October 2023 , 12:46
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Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool to "strike back" after the disappointment of their controversial defeat to Tottenham.
Refereeing body the PGMOL have apologised for "significant human errors" from the match officials, which ultimately cost the Reds a draw on Saturday. Klopp has even called for the game to be replayed after the fiasco around Luis Diaz 's disallowed goal in the first-half.
But now their attention is turning back to the Europa League, with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise visiting Anfield on Thursday. And Klopp has called on his side to park their frustration as they look to take control of Group E.
"It would be an understatement to say that not everything has gone our way this season, but every time an obstacle has been placed in our way the boys have given absolutely everything to overcome it. This gives me so much optimism for the days and weeks to come," he said.
"I have already said many times that this is a team that I love. I would hope that people will now understand why. I have no doubt that the Liverpool fans who travelled at Tottenham at the weekend feel the same way as I do.
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"It is always in the most difficult moments that we find out most about ourselves and on Saturday there was so much that we learned as a group that was positive. I actually believe that I learned much more about this team than I would have if we had played badly and won.
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Jurgen Klopp is hoping his side can bounce back from their defeat to Tottenham (GEORGE BECK/PPAUK/REX/Shutterstock)"Yes, the result did not go our way. Yes, some of the situations went against us. But as a team and as a club there was so much to take away that we can build on. This is our responsibility and we take it so, so seriously."
While the Liverpool boss is keen for his side to rediscover their winning touch, he is aware that Thursday's game will be no easy task. Union are currently top of the Belgian Pro League, with Klopp warning his team of the challenge ahead.
"Tonight gives us a chance to strike back – not because it is Union SG but because this is the first time we will play since suffering a setback – so it makes sense that we do everything that we can to do this," he added.
"Once again we will use the squad in the best way that we can for this particular fixture, but whichever team I pick will carry that responsibility onto the pitch. We want a good result for ourselves.
"We want a good result because it would help us in the group and we want a good result for our supporters. There is more than enough motivation and more than enough incentive so we should use both as much as we possibly can. For us, it is another challenge.
"I think most people saw the footage of the Union SG players when the draw was made so it is pretty clear that they will be looking forward to this game. But we are also excited to play them. They are the leaders of the Belgian league, which says everything of their quality."