Liverpool vs Manchester City - Robertson: Liverpool aren’t afraid of Man City

Posted Wednesday, April 04, 2018 by PA

Andy Robertson insists Liverpool have no reason to be afraid as they head into their hugely-anticipated Champions League clash with Manchester City.

The Merseysiders host the runaway Premier League leaders in the first leg of the glamour tie at Anfield on Wednesday.

City are 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League and on the brink of being crowned champions, but their only loss in a magnificent campaign came at Anfield in January.

Reds left-back Robertson said: “I don’t think we can be afraid. They won’t be afraid of us and we won’t be afraid of them.

“They’ve been the best team in our league this season and are going to win the league, undoubtedly, but this is two games in the Champions League, a one-off.

“We have as much right to be in the quarter-finals as they do and there is no seeding in it. It will be a big occasion.

“Their movement is a joy to watch at times, and as a defender you need to be aware of that, but hopefully we’ll be attacking as well and we can push them back into areas where they don’t want to go.”

Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 4-3 on their last visit to Anfield.

Robertson, speaking at the pre-match press conference, said: “That was probably our most complete performance of the season. The last 10 minutes were a bit shakier than we wanted but we pressed them all over the field and we took our chances when they came to us at key moments.

“That was the key and that will be the key tomorrow. When chances fall to us we need to be able to take them. If we can do that hopefully we’ve got a win going into next week.”

Liverpool’s preparations have been dealt a huge blow after a thigh injury ruled out Joel Matip for the rest of the season.

City will be without club record scorer Sergio Aguero for the first leg as the Argentinian, who has scored 30 goals this season, has been out for the last three weeks with a knee injury.

City had initially thought the 29-year-old’s problem was not too serious but his continued absence suggests he is also doubtful for the derby clash with Manchester United on Saturday.

Guardiola, speaking at his pre-match press conference at Anfield, said: “He is in Manchester. He did not come. He was injured in the last two to three weeks and is still not fit.

“He is much better but doctors spoke to him today and he said he still has a little bit of a problem and is not comfortable.”

Aguero’s absence means Gabriel Jesus is likely to continue up front. The Brazilian, who turned 21 on Tuesday, is still to get back to his best after a spell out with a knee injury but Guardiola has no concerns.

He said: “Today Gabriel Jesus is 21 years old and when you are 21 years old you are not tired.”

City are in their seventh successive season of Champions League football and are aiming to equal their best ever showing of reaching the semi-finals two years ago.

Their history in the competition does not compare to that of Liverpool, who have won it five times, and Guardiola feels a lot comes down to mentality.

He said: “Our best performance is one semi-final in the Champions League. They are five or six Champions Leagues won.

“We accept we are favourites but to do something in this competition you have to feel you are favourites. You have to feel you can do it. If you don’t there is no change.”