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Liverpool ace reveals attitude towards Roberto Firmino has CHANGED after Barcelona loss
LIVERPOOL midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has revealed that he now has more respect for Roberto Firmino after playing in his position against Barcelona.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gives Roberto Firmino update
Liverpool were forced to start without the Firmino due to an injury worry and Wijnaldum was chosen to fill the void for 80 minutes.
The Reds lost 3-0 at the Nou Camp and now face a huge challenge in qualifying for their second consecutive Champions League final.
The tie looks gloomy after Jurgen Klopp’s men failed to score an away goal, and Netherlands international Wijnaldum has revealed his new found respect for his Brazilian team-mate after trying to replicate his role.
"After the game I had way more respect for Roberto Firmino," Wijnaldum told Sky Sports.
"I already had it for the way he played as a striker but now I have even more having been in that position.”
Wijnaldum, a midfielder by trade, was chosen as a makeshift forward by Klopp with Firmino and Divock Origi left on the bench.
The ex-Newcastle man has also described the mood around the squad after the demoralising defeat, and spoken out about the possibility of a sensational comeback.
“We were really disappointed after the game because we played a good game but lost 3-0,” he added.
"We were really devastated. [But] you always have to regroup, even after winning a game.
“You have to try and do the things you did well again and change the things that you didn't do well.
"We've had games where we've not played as well this season and won. With a little bit of luck, we'd have scored a few goals that would have made it easier for the return, but it didn't happen.
"That's football and we have to deal with the situation we're in. The most important thing is that we believe."
Liverpool: Klopp 'proud' of team despite loss to Barcelona
The focus for Liverpool has now turned to their clash against Newcastle on Saturday evening, as they attempt to put pressure on Manchester City in the title race.
Wijnaldum added: ”It's really difficult. The only thing we can do is try to win our games and hope that City slip in one of theirs.
"The focus has to be on the games we played because if we drop points it's over. We have to win and hope they slip.
"The next step [for Liverpool] is, of course, to win something, to be even more consistent than the season before.”