Programme notesJordan Henderson: We have to ensure our standards don't slip against Inter
Jordan Henderson stressed the need for Liverpool to be at their absolute best against an Internazionale side he believes are well capable of overturning a two-goal deficit.
The Reds hold a healthy advantage heading into tonight’s second leg of the last-16 tie at Anfield, after second-half goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah at San Siro last month.
But the fixture in Milan reinforced the captain’s belief that the Serie A champions are one of the toughest opponents in Europe, with quality, fearlessness and more in every department.
Inside Milan: Behind the scenes of the San Siro win
In his column in the matchday programme, Henderson writes: “There are some games where the names speak for themselves and this is one of them. No hype is needed. Liverpool v Internazionale in the Champions League is about as big as it gets.
“It was only a few weeks ago that we met one another at the San Siro and though we took an advantage from that game, no-one who played for Liverpool that night will be under any illusions that the job is still to be done. We might be 2-0 up after the first leg, but it is still only half-time and Inter will feel they are very much in the tie.
“Make no mistake about it, Inter pushed us every step of the way in the game. They were aggressive, played on the front foot and basically took us on. The victory we earned was especially pleasing because of that, but it should not obscure the fact that it was a proper contest and we are expecting more of the same tonight.
“Inter are currently flying high in Serie A and they are there for a reason. The quality of their squad is there for all to see and it’s no surprise that they don’t lose too often.
“If I was in their dressing room tonight I would be saying that the tie isn’t over and I wouldn’t be doing it for effect or to keep up appearances. It would be because of the talent at their disposal and the history of this competition, which tells us that first-leg leads usually only count for something if standards are maintained over two legs.
“So our challenge is simple – we have to ensure our standards don’t slip. We have to remember how difficult the first game was and expect an even tougher one.
“We have to put ourselves in Inter’s position and realise that they will be giving everything and more to turn things around. The history and reputation of their club demands nothing else.”
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