This Match Was Too Difficult

December 20, Manchester, Etihad Stadium.

At 2:00 p.m. local time, Liverpool's away match against Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the 2017–18 EFL Cup was about to begin.

The pre-match situation was anything but favorable for Liverpool.

They had to play three matches in just seven days.

Two FIFA Club World Cup matches, plus this EFL Cup fixture.

After the long trip back from Abu Dhabi to England, before they had even adjusted to the time difference, they had to face a formidable opponent like Manchester City while carrying exhaustion throughout their bodies.

What was even more fatal was the injury situation.

Rodri, Arnold, and Henderson—three key starters—were all absent, and all of them played in the midfield and back line.

Yet Klopp still fielded the strongest lineup he could assemble.

Alisson started in goal.

In defense, Achraf replaced Arnold at right-back, while Matip and Van Dijk partnered at center-back, with Robertson holding down the left flank.

In midfield, with Rodri and Henderson unavailable, Klopp could only deploy the makeshift trio of Milner, Wijnaldum, and Naby Keita.

The front line remained Mane, Chen Anno, and Salah.

Manchester City, meanwhile, had sent out their full-strength starting lineup.

Ederson guarded the goal, with Danilo, Otamendi, Stones, and Kyle Walker across the back line.

De Bruyne, Nainggolan, and Bernardo Silva formed the midfield.

Up front were Neymar, Mbappe, and Aguero.

"Liverpool are in a very difficult position in this match," Zhan Jun said in the studio, concern evident in his voice.

"Three matches in seven days, long-distance travel, and key players missing. Manchester City, on the other hand, are well rested."

"Heh heh, especially with Rodri absent."

"Rodri is the hub of Liverpool's midfield."

"Without him, Liverpool's transitions between attack and defense may become disjointed."

Tweet...!

The referee blew his whistle, and the