Mark Lawrenson believes Liverpool need to get used to playing Champions League football as the Reds will be punished if they make the slightest of mistakes such as they did against Sevilla on Wednesday night.
Although Liverpool fell behind early at Anfield, courtesy of Wissam Ben Yedder’s goal, the Merseyside giants reacted in spectacular fashion.
Roberto Firmino equalised in the 21st minute before Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in front 16 minutes later.
The hosts, who created plenty more opportunities to add to their tally in the first half, missed a golden chance to further extend their lead when Firmino missed a penalty just before half-time.
The missed opportunities, coupled with Liverpool’s poor defensive display came back to haunt Jurgen Klopp’s team as Sevilla made it 2-2 in the 72nd minute through Joaquin Correa.
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And Lawrenson, who thinks Liverpool could have won the game by a big margin if it was a Premier League fixture, insisted that there is very little margin for error in the Champions League, with the Reds legend asking his former team to become accustomed to the step up in level.
“Therein lies the problem, at this level it’s a step up”, he said on LFC TV.
“In the particular group we’re in, you might say they are not the most outstanding teams.
“But they will always create opportunities against you and that’s what happened.
“Maybe in the Premier League, we would have won it 4-1 or 5-1.
“It’s something that you have to get used to.
“It’s great being in the Champions League, but if you make the slightest mistake [you will be punished].
“Just imagine if we get through to the knockout stage, then you come under real pressure.”
Liverpool’s next Champions League game will be against Spartak Moscow later in the month.
