FIRST TEAM
08/15/2017

#TSGLFC Reaction: "Showed real fighting spirit"

Here's what the players had to say following the first-leg defeat to Liverpool.

Julian Nagelsmann: We deserved at least a draw from tonight, since we were the better team for large parts of the game, especially just before half time. After the break we were too open at the back and gave Liverpool too many chances as a result. In the first half we had Liverpool well under control. We were anything but lucky during the game, that has to be said. The missed penalty and their second goal come to mind there. Begs belief how the ball just floated in perfectly after taking a slight deflection. We will approach the second leg in the same way we approached this one. We played well today, and we will play well at Anfield. I’m sure of it. It doesn’t bother me, nor the team that we’re away from home.

Jürgen Klopp: If someone had offered me the lead before the game, I would have taken it, regardless of the score line. So I’m very pleased with the result. Hoffenheim were very brave and proactive, deserved their goal as well. But defensively we were very strong throughout the game. Hoffenheim are hard to defend against, so I’m obviously pleased with the performance back there.

Mark Uth: The first half was really good. We had lots of chances and Liverpool only had the free-kick and one other chance because of a mistake. We have to build on that. Winning by two goals in Liverpool will not be easy, but we believe in ourselves. Howie slotted me in perfectly for the goal and I provided the perfect finish with my stronger left foot. To have scored Hoffenheim’s first goal in Europe is a fantastic feeling, despite the result.

Sandro Wagner: I’m not disappointed. We played fantastically: good football and a real fighting spirit. That’s what the spectators wanted. The ball just didn’t want to go in for us sometimes tonight - it was one of those days. Nevertheless, the game bodes well for the coming weeks. Play like that and we’ll do well. We were the better team today, and that’s what we’ll bear in mind going into the second leg in Liverpool next Wednesday. We want to play well there, and we will. We will attack. It makes no difference to us being at Anfield.

Nadiem Amiri: We were clearly better before the break, but couldn’t find the back of the net. We lost 2-1, but that is no reflection on the game. We will give everything next week in Liverpool. It’s a shame we weren’t able to come away with the win today. The fans were unbelievable today. I’ve not experienced an atmosphere like that in the arena before.

Kevin Vogt: We’re very disappointed, so soon after the game. We played well for long periods and were the better team in the first half. I think if we take the lead, which we could well have done, the game would have panned out differently. It’s just gutting, because we gave so much.

Ermin Bicakcic: That goal at the end is a huge positive. Looking back at our first-half performance, we should have scored two or three goals. That’s why we’re so disappointed. But we won’t give up. We’re still in the game. I don’t think we were nervous today. Up front, we were perhaps lacking a little composure. We have the chance to make it all better next week. Last season we gave everything to hear the anthem and play against opponents like this. We want to be in that group stage. I will not be intimidated by Anfield.

 

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