Wednesday 2 May 2018 20:02, UK
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has warned his former side to be prepared for Roma's cynical tactics in their Champions League semi-final second leg.
The Italian outfit were criticised for their physical approach in their second-leg 3-0 comeback against Barcelona in the quarter-finals, but only received two yellow cards from referee Clement Turpin.
Jurgen Klopp's men take a three-goal lead to the Stadio Olimpico after their 5-2 win in the first leg and Thommo has urged both the Reds and the referee to be stronger on Wednesday night.
He told Sky Sports: "They will try everything, from trying to get our players sent off to being overly physical, so we need to be ready for it and need a tough referee.
"Physically, verbally, everything that Italian football has been known for over the last 40 years. They will do anything it takes to win.
"Barcelona got kicked all over the pitch in Rome. Charlie Nicholas was covering it on Soccer Special and couldn't believe what was happening.
"Having said that, Barcelona were complacent and missed chances, so we have to be ready to take advantage of our chances and be ready for those diagonal balls to Edin Dzeko."
The Soccer Saturday pundit also hailed the importance of striker Roberto Firmino signing a new long-term contract.
He added: "There have been so many positives this season but Firmino committing his future to the club is right up there with the biggest.
"I would be absolutely astonished if other clubs weren't looking at him because anybody watching him week-in-week-out has seen his sensational ability and work rate.
"I think he is one of the top forwards in the world, certainly in the top 10. If he hadn't signed, especially after his mate Philippe Coutinho left, I would be really nervous."
