Origi: Qualification is still in our own hands
Divock Origi remains confident about Liverpool’s prospects of successfully navigating out of Europa League Group B, insisting progression is firmly within their own hands with three games to go.
The Reds were held to a third successive 1-1 draw in the tournament so far this season by Rubin Kazan at Anfield on Thursday night.
In Jürgen Klopp’s first home game as manager, Liverpool dominated for long periods against the Russian side, who were reduced to 10 men before half-time when Oleg Kuzmin was sent off for collecting a second booking.
The hosts couldn’t make their numerical advantage pay, however, though Origi feels there were positive elements to their play.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “We’re disappointed we couldn’t win, but in the context of the game we gave our maximum.
“There was a lot of improvement if you compare it to the Tottenham game, so it was just a pity we couldn’t win.
“[Against 10 men] you have to find the space and often there isn’t very much. You have to be patient.
“We have to learn from this game and maybe next time be patient and circulate the ball more. That could be a solution, I think.”
The result means Liverpool are currently second in the standings on three points, one ahead of the Russians and Bordeaux but four behind leaders FC Sion.
Origi added: “We have to remember that all is in our hands, so we have to give our maximum, progress from this game and if we can make progress in every game, then everything will be okay.
“For us, it’s very important to win the three games. We’re very excited and working very hard. We have the players, so we just need to work together and try to get the points.”
Origi was selected to lead Liverpool’s attack for the second game running by Klopp, having started the German’s debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The 20-year-old may have only been working under his tutelage for less than two weeks, but he feels it’s already providing beneficial.
“I think in the short time, I’ve learnt a lot,” said Origi. “Mentally, he tries to boost us all and you can see that he has a lot of experience. It’s always good to have someone to look up to who is as enthusiastic as that and send us positive energy.
“For me, it’s always nice to know that the people believe in me. When I came here, I knew the people, the club and everybody believed in me.
“I just have to use his confidence and experience in order for me to progress – and score goals.”
Next up for Liverpool is a Barclays Premier League clash with Southampton at Anfield on Sunday.
On the prospect of starting for a third consecutive game, Origi concluded: “We’ll see. The coach will make the choice.
“I just try to work hard and learn every time [I play]. If I am on the bench, I support the team every time, but I am always hoping to play.”