Georginio Wijnaldum praises Liverpool's defence in goalless first leg
Thursday 21 February 2019 11:19, UK
Andrew Robertson says Liverpool lacked composure as they struggled to trouble Bayern Munich at Anfield in the Champions League.
The Reds were off colour in their 0-0 first-leg draw but the left-back hopes last year's finalists will find their cutting edge in the return leg in Bavaria in three weeks.
Robertson told Sky Sports News: "On another day the lads put the chances away in front of goal or we make better decisions in the final third.
"Maybe somebody has rushed a shot or perhaps I have rushed a cross or tried too hard, these things can happen in big games it is all about having composure and we probably lacked that in the first half.
"Second half we were better with the ball without really creating anything.
"A clean sheet at home in the Champions League is so crucial because we know when we go over there and if we can grab one it means they have to score two.
"These are all things that come into play and if we can be a bit more clinical. I think we can score over there."
Defensively, the Reds looked solid enough with the makeshift centre-half partnership of Joel Matip and Fabinho denying Bayern what could have been a crucial away goal.
Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum was full of praise for his backline which kept the German side at arm's length and striker Robert Lewandowski quiet.
"I have to say the guys at the back did a good job. They are playing against one of the best strikers in the world and they stopped him from scoring a goal. Overall, I think they did a good job", Wijnaldum told Sky Sports News.
Wijnaldum admitted that having his fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk back for the return at the Allianz Arena will be a major boost for the squad and improve their chances in the second leg.
"Next time we have Virgil back," said the ex-Newcastle player with a grin. "It is always good to have him back."
Liverpool's record signing Van Dijk was suspended for the first leg, but is available for the return on March 13.
