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Football

29th Apr 2016

Adam Lallana reveals what Jurgen Klopp told Liverpool players at full time of Villarreal defeat

Darragh Murphy

A massive 90 minutes lie ahead for Liverpool.

An injury-time Adrian Lopez now means that the Reds need to score at Anfield in their Europa League semi-final tie with Villarreal.

After a professional defensive display, Liverpool’s lock was picked at the very death and an improved impetus is required from Jurgen Klopp’s men in the return leg.

Villarreal CF v Liverpool - UEFA Europa League Semi Final: First Leg

Klopp’s comments about Villarreal’s celebration were criticised by some after the game while his defiance in the face of adversity was admired by others.

And Reds midfielder Adam Lallana has revealed what his manager said to the players back in the confines of their dressing room in the Estadio El Madrigal.

“It was a massive sucker punch, so hard to take,” Lallana said.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 28:  Adam Lallana of Liverpool reacts after defeat in the UEFA Europa League semi final first leg match between Villarreal CF and Liverpool at Estadio El Madrigal on April 28, 2016 in Villarreal, Spain.  (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“The manager told us: ‘do not worry’. He said: ‘be disappointed for five minutes but no longer – wait until we get them back home’.

“He told us that we have got the fans and then he said: ‘we will make it another magical night next week’.”

Lallana added that the team are motivated by the heroics pulled off in the home leg of their quarter-final tie with Borussia Dortmund a fortnight ago.

Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final: Second Leg

He said: “It would have been easy to get deflated. It’s only natural that we are disappointed after conceding in injury time. But we are over it. The manager told us we have to be.

“I keep thinking about Dortmund and what happened then. The fans have got a massive role to play.

“We are going to make it a rocking atmosphere and we will get the two goals that we need. The manager has told us that they are there for the taking.”

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