Manchester City will be aiming to overcome a 3-o deficit when they face Liverpool tomorrow night at the Etihad in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Jurgen Klopp’s men destroyed Pep Guardiola’s runaway league leaders in the first leg at Anfield last Wednesday, leaving the Cityzens a mountain to climb in order to qualify for the semi-final’s of Europes most prestigious competition for just the second time in their history.
Tomorrow’s clash was already set to be a feisty affair after the City bus was attacked by fans on the way to Liverpool’s ground, and Fernandinho has seemed to add extra spice to this eagerly anticipated encounter with his pre-match comments about the Reds playing style.
“They are a team that like to play long balls,” Fernandinho said.
“They try to keep the players around the middle.”
“I hope we can solve all the problems we had, especially in the first half, in 10-15 minutes we conceded three goals.
Then we can apply our type of game.”
Pep Guardiola’s men will of course be under added pressure, after they followed up their disappointing display at Anfield with a 3-2 home defeat to bitter rivals Man United in the Manchester Derby last Saturday.
Fernandinho admitted it has been a difficult week for him and his team-mates, but he has backed the experienced players in City’s squad to stand up tomorrow and secure a positive result.
“It was a tough week for us, two defeats in a week but that’s in the past already,”
“Our focus is on the second leg against Liverpool and the only way to play good football is to be positive.”
“Now’s the time for experienced players to take over and take charge. Of course we know two defeats are not easy but that happens to the best teams in the world.”
“What we have done this season is amazing and we have a chance to go through in the Champions League. It won’t be easy.
“They (Liverpool) are a team who fight for the ball and try to keep the players in the middle but we will be ready for tomorrow’s game.”
