Liverpool faced a tragic loss against PSG in the UEFA Champions League this Wednesday, and now they have to defeat Italian side Napoli to qualify for the ‘Round of 16’ from ‘Group C’. But their star midfielder, James Milner, said that they will try their best in the UCL as they never thought about their possible relegation to the Europa League.
PSG and Napoli both now sit above Jurgen Klopp’s men as Napoli is now having 9 points and PSG having 8 points in the ‘Group C’ of the UEFA Champions League. If Liverpool finished this season’s UCL in the third position, they will be relegated from the Champions League and will directly qualify for the Europa League knockout phase next year.
While talking about this issue, James Milner said “I don’t think that’s crossed anyone’s mind to be honest,” and further added “Our aim is to get out of the group: get the result and get through. If we don’t do that we don’t deserve to be in the Champions League and we’ll take whatever happens from there – Europa League or whatever.”
He also talked about their future plans about the Champions League and said: “At this moment in time we’re just focused on getting through the group.” Where players like Jamie Carragher openly expressed their disregards on Neymar and his playacting during Wednesday’s game, Milner said “You can’t really be surprised by that. If you are surprised by that you are a bit foolish.”
Milner also gave his views on Liverpool’s gameplay against PSG and said “As a player you can’t do anything about it can you? You just still have to press but when you do that it doesn’t make it easier when you are on the front foot and trying to win the ball back.” Besides Milner, Klopp also expressed his disregards on the officials and referee of the Wednesday’s game.
While talking about the referring that they faced against PSG, Milner said “It’s then in the referee’s hands to give fouls if he thinks it is a foul. As players you know that in Europe decisions are probably given slightly easier than they are in the Premier League but that is part of European football. I am used to that now.”