Andy Robertson has spoken out about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi.
Liverpool will take on FC Barcelona in the Champions League Quarterfinals at Nou Camp on Wednesday. The reverse leg will take place at Anfield six days later.
Andy Robertson has spoken about the prospect of facing Lionel Messi, who he regards as the best player in the world currently. The Scottish International has been one of the best players for Liverpool this season, thereby making 44 appearances this term.
“He’s the best player in the world and Manchester United saw that in the last round,” he admits. “He was frightening, especially in the home leg.
“That’s what we’re up against but it is up to us to stop him and all the other attacking players. It’s a tough task but we believe in our ability.
“They are one of the best teams in the world and they will be playing with confidence, but so are we and we’re a tough team to beat, especially in Europe.” said Robertson.
He was an obvious choice for the PFA Team of the Season, along with three of his Liverpool team-mates, but he puts team glory over individual acclaim as Liverpool strive for the Premier League or Champions League, or preferably both.
“It’s nice to be appreciated by my peers for the season I’ve had,” he says. “I’m delighted about that.
“But I would swap it all for either of the trophies we are still fighting for. That is the kind of person I am.”
Having lost the final 12 months ago to Real Madrid, Robertson says it has been a spur for their latest assault.
“A lot of teams would have maybe crumbled or let that disappointment lead to a disappointing season,” he states. “We used it as motivation.
“We played against a very experienced team in Real who won the final three years in a row and their experience told. When they went ahead, they controlled the game and we couldn’t quite get near them.
“Barcelona is going to be one hell of a task but if we do get to the final, I’m sure we will be more experienced.
“Whatever happens, we have had a fantastic season, but it’s just about that final push that we need to do now.”
Here’s how Twitter reacted..
Andy Robertson has revealed how Liverpool’s Champions League Final failure last season has been the driving force behind this term’s continued push for success.
“We have kind of used (last season’s final defeat) as motivation for our whole season.”https://t.co/dxwmi40Wdg
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) April 27, 2019
Robertson on facing Messi: “I don’t think you have to prepare any differently from any other game.
“Of course, you’re playing against a better player than you usually would – he’s the best player in the world.
“But I think we all need to be prepared because he drifts all over.”
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) April 27, 2019
“I think I’ll sleep tonight hopefully, but then tomorrow it’ll be all focus on Messi and co. Look these are the occasions we play for. We love the big games and we look forward to it.” – Robertson.https://t.co/raMWpyp33H
— Soccerzela (@soccerzela) April 27, 2019
What’s next?
The first leg will take place at Nou Camp on May 1st and the second leg will be at Anfield six days later.
