Gini reveals tactical approach to Roma victory
Georginio Wijnaldum has revealed how Liverpool's pre-match analysis of AS Roma helped lay the tactical foundations for a 5-2 Champions League semi-final first-leg win on Tuesday.
Initially named on the substitutes' bench, the Dutchman was thrown into the action with just 18 minutes gone at Anfield, replacing the injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
And, despite his early introduction coming unexpectedly, Wijnaldum had no doubts about what was required of him thanks to the hosts' thorough preparations.
As he explained to Liverpoolfc.com at full-time: "We analysed them before and we knew they had a lot of space behind their backline.
"It is a strength of mine to come in behind the backline, which is what I tried to do. It worked.
"But it was not only me, it was everyone who made a run behind their line.
"It was dangerous for them and we created a lot of chances with the runs. It went well."
Highlights: Liverpool 5-2 Roma
Two late goals have given Roma a glimmer of hope that they might stage a repeat of their come-from-behind, away-goals win over Barcelona at the quarter-final stage when the two teams meet again at the Stadio Olimpico next week.
Wijnaldum admits he and his teammates were perhaps 'too comfortable' in the closing stages at Anfield, though he insists they were left pleased with the overall result.
He added: "[It was] a good evening. We scored good goals and played well – until the last 10 minutes.
"We gave them a little bit of confidence and they did well with the chances they got.
"We were a little bit too comfortable with the result at that moment, which is why we gave two goals away.
"We can be happy with the result; it's only that we gave two chances away in the last 10 minutes.
"But if someone said before the game, 'Would you be happy with a 5-2 result?' everybody would be happy. So we have to take the positives from it and keep on going."
The 27-year-old also hailed the contributions of Liverpool's fans, who put on another remarkable display of support to roar their team over the line.
He continued: "Even in the moments that we didn't play well, they support us to do better. That's always what you need.
"The supporters can always help you to do even better, or when it's going bad they can help to give the team confidence. It was great again.
"Champions League evenings are special."