Liverpool vs Napoli : How Klopp should approach tonight’s ‘do or die’ encounter

Champions League competition is back and we’re getting ready to see another wonderful performances, shocking results, rough tackles, beautiful goals and above all, player’s reactions to elimination.

This week’s Champions League fixtures are the last in group stages of the competition and that’s why many clubs will approach their respective games with maximum concentration.

For some clubs – such as Barcelona and Juventus, their progression to the knockout stages has already been secured. Some club, including Galatasaray and Red Belgrade, have already been eliminated from European competitions including the Europa League.

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Some clubs still have so much to play for later tonight and also on Wednesday. Their destinies are tied to the outcome of today and Wednesday’s fixtures.

Liverpool are in this category, they require a win to progress to the next round of the competition. Having recorded a shocking 2-1 defeat to Paris St-German a fortnight ago, the Reds found themselves in third position in their group.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are closely behind Napoli and PSG who are in first and second position respectively.

However, there is still hope for the Merseyside club. All they need to do is ensure maximum points against Napoli later today.

In fact, maximum points might not be enough to see them progress from the group, they must ensure they don’t concede a goal. And if they did, they must win by a two-goal margin.

Knowing the importance of today’s encounter, Jurgen Klopp must be thinking of how to defeat his opponents and equally keep a clean sheet.

The Reds might need to start the game in a high attacking mood so as to get the much-needed first goal. Mohammed Salah must be in his best form later tonight as the whole of Anfield supporters are definitely counting on him to lead them to the next stage of the campaign.

As much as the team would be pushing for a very important first goal of the game, Klopp must make it clear to his defenders not to get carried away in their search for an early goal. Napoli are very good in counter-attacks, hence, the Reds could pay for neglecting their defensive role.

Klopp can also decide to start the game in a defensive mood, yes you heard me right!

A clean sheet and a lone goal are all they need to make it through to the next round, then, Klopp must soak up every attacking move from Napoli’s forwards in the opening period of the clash.

The Merseyside club must ensure they don’t concede the first goal of the night as that will go a long way to boost their confidence as the game progresses.

Once that is done for the first 30 minutes, the Reds will later switch to high counter-attacking approach so as to put the Serie A giants in intense pressure.

Salah and Firmino’s pace should be explored by the home team in a more direct way. The attacking line should be willing to move quickly with training ball at their feet as that’s the best way to get past a rigid Napoli defensive unit

Troubling Napoli’s backline constantly will surely lead to a goal and that settles it. However, the Reds should be ready for a crunch tie at Anfield later tonight.