'We need to be more creative to reach fourth round'
Liverpool must improve their creativity against Plymouth Argyle to avoid an unwanted upset in the FA Cup tonight, according to Loris Karius.
The Reds journey to Home Park for a third-round replay this evening, having failed to find a way past the League Two side’s stubborn defence when the two clubs initially met at Anfield earlier this month.
That day, Jürgen Klopp’s team registered 28 shots at goal but without carving out the kinds of opportunities which have frequently been created in games this season.
But if Liverpool can reproduce their attacking flow in the return clash, while remaining steadfast at the other end of the pitch, Karius is confident of booking a place in round four.
“We didn’t create that many chances – we weren’t that creative in and around the box,” the goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com of the opening match. “That’s something we can improve for the next game.
“They defended really well, of course. We didn’t have that many different ideas to get through their defence, but what they did they were doing well.
“I didn’t see them as much in my half – they focused on defending and dealt [with us] really well. They will hope for a crazy game at their ground but we have to be there from the first minute and play our game to go to the next round.
“It depends on us. They will try to stay compact and get one or two counter-attacks. We just need to get some goals. We have to go through clearly – that’s our aim.”
LFCTV GO: Loris looks ahead to Plymouth
At his pre-match press conference, Klopp confirmed that Karius is in line to be in goal at Home Park, after starting the first game and the EFL Cup semi-final, first leg against Southampton.
So, how much is the German looking forward to a contest that has all the ingredients of a ‘proper FA Cup tie’? “We have the same in Germany at the beginning of the cup, so it’s not really a new experience,” the ‘keeper replied.
“It’s always something where everyone hopes that the big teams get kicked out, so everyone is against us if you like. In Germany, there are always a lot of surprises. We just have to stay focused.”
As he previewed the game on Tuesday, the manager also explained that his starting XI this time around is likely to be different to the one which first faced Plymouth – the youngest ever in the club’s history.
But Karius advised the youngsters who do get the nod to use Klopp’s faith in them as the base for an assured performance.
He added: “It’s good to see that we have so many young, talented players that come through from our own Academy. That’s good for the club.
“But the manager doesn’t just pick them because they are young. They have quality, otherwise he wouldn’t do it. It’s nice to see they have the trust of the manager and he gives them a chance.
“Then it’s up to the young lads to perform and show him that they’re ready.”