Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Rio Ferdinand identifies the one mistake Jurgen Klopp made against Barcelona

Rio Ferdinand reckons Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made just one error over the two legs against Barcelona.

The Reds boss masterminded an astonishing 4-3 aggregate win over the Catalan giants in their Champions League semi-final.

Klopp was forced to think outside the box what with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino both out injured. And the German pulled off a tactical masterclass as Liverpool came out on top against all the odds.

Ferdinand was full of praise for what Liverpool achieved in the second leg of their semi-final on Tuesday night, but he also brought attention to one small mistake made by Klopp in the first match - his decision to bench Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Rio Ferdinand reckons Jurgen Klopp made just one mistake (BT Sport)

Jamie Carragher's message to Gary Neville from Anfield after Liverpool beat Barcelona

"It's the modern-day full-back, you want them to defend and get forward," the Manchester United legend told BT Sport.

"I think the range in their play, in terms of when they get into the final third, they can whip it from outside of the box, they can get into the box, they cut the ball back.

The Reds boss masterminded an astonishing 4-3 aggregate win (AFP/Getty Images)

Reason why Lionel Messi was left behind by Barcelona after Liverpool defeat

"I just think their all-round game, both of them [Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson], is fantastic. It's almost a mini competition within the team – who can get the most assists.

"Maybe, in the Camp Nou, with hindsight which is a beautiful thing if you could have it, [not selecting] Trent Alexander-Arnold was the one mistake you could look back on, he could have done differently.

Klopp named Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench in the first leg (PA)

Xherdan Shaqiri lifts lid on Liverpool dressing room celebrations after Barcelona victory

"He went with Joe Gomez, out of the wilderness with a long injury and is mainly a centre-back.

"But I understand [why Gomez was picked] because of his defensive responsibilities were huge, Barca's left side is such a strong part of their game."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.