Liverpool should forget about setting records in the Premier League and begin resting and rotating players to be best prepared for Atletico Madrid in two weeks, according to Kenny Cunningham.
Liverpool suffered a rare 1-0 loss in the first leg of the last 16 Champions League tie at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, but Cunningham believes Jurgen Klopp's side can still progress if all of their best players are fit.
The former Republic of Ireland captain was speaking on Tuesday's OTB AM and said Liverpool need to treat the Premier League as over and forget about setting domestic records in favour of retaining the Champions League.
"The league title is done. All that matters is that Atletico game coming down the road, and actually preparing the team in those fixtures in between, getting them fine-tuned, physically and mentally in the right space for where they need to be in this really challenging game.
"Last night you look at that performance of [Trent] Alexander-Arnold and you think, my God, if he doesn't make this starting line-up against Atletico in a couple of weeks time, in terms of Liverpool's attacking force, they are probably 15% less than what they could be.
"So you might need to take him out in one or two of the games prior to Atletico. Just to keep him fresh and protect him from injury."
"Now it's all about tinkering with your squad and making sure everybody is absolutely spot on for these Champions League games when they come around. But that has to be the mentality, it has to be the way of thinking."
Singling out Alexander-Arnold's influence again, Cunningham noted that Diego Simeone's biggest challenge on the night will be halting the Liverpool full-back.
"I am fascinated to see what Simeone will do on that side of the pitch. For me, he almost has to play his best defensive midfield left-wing against Liverpool just to counteract the qualities of Alexander-Arnold. I think he will."
However, Cunningham added Atletico will pose their own attacking threats that Liverpool's centre-backs will have to be alert to, as well.
Highlighting Liverpool's characteristically high backline, Cunningham said: "Communication between the back four Roberston and Van Dijk has to be absolutely spot on.
"If not and Atletico raise their game in relation to how they pass the ball and the quality of their runs they would fancy their chances of scoring in Anfield and if they do it will really put the squeeze on Liverpool."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
