Liverpool FC defender Emiliano Insua believes the Reds have to tackle the Europa League with the same mentality as the Champions League if they are to succeed.
Having failed to make it through the group stage for the first time in manager Rafa Benitez’s reign of almost six years, the Reds are facing up to the reality of UEFA’s second-tier competition.
Romanian opponents Unirea Urziceni also dropped out of the Champions League this season but their expectations on their first appearance among Europe’s elite will have been a lot lower than Liverpool FC’s.
But Insua insists Liverpool FC have to call on their vast European experience to get them through what will be an unfamiliar challenge for many of the squad.
"It is a bit strange to see Liverpool in the Europa League but we have to approach the game like we’re playing in the Champions League," said the Argentinian left-back.
"We want to win a trophy this season and the only one we can win is the Europa League because we are a bit far behind in the Premier League.
"It would be very nice for us. We have to leave the disappointment (of a Champions League exit) behind us and play the next game as best we can.
"I think Liverpool always has pressure in all competitions so we have to think we can win it and the first step will be on Thursday, which is a massive game we have to win."
The 21-year-old defender, who has emerged as Liverpool FC’s first-choice left-back this season, admits they have to make a statement against Unirea on Thursday.
"We have to go into the game with confidence and push them at Anfield and go for the win while also keeping them quiet," he said.
"It is a very important home game and we need to score some goals and not concede because away goals are very important."
Having failed to make it through the group stage for the first time in manager Rafa Benitez’s reign of almost six years, the Reds are facing up to the reality of UEFA’s second-tier competition.
Romanian opponents Unirea Urziceni also dropped out of the Champions League this season but their expectations on their first appearance among Europe’s elite will have been a lot lower than Liverpool FC’s.
But Insua insists Liverpool FC have to call on their vast European experience to get them through what will be an unfamiliar challenge for many of the squad.
"It is a bit strange to see Liverpool in the Europa League but we have to approach the game like we’re playing in the Champions League," said the Argentinian left-back.
"We want to win a trophy this season and the only one we can win is the Europa League because we are a bit far behind in the Premier League.
"It would be very nice for us. We have to leave the disappointment (of a Champions League exit) behind us and play the next game as best we can.
"I think Liverpool always has pressure in all competitions so we have to think we can win it and the first step will be on Thursday, which is a massive game we have to win."
The 21-year-old defender, who has emerged as Liverpool FC’s first-choice left-back this season, admits they have to make a statement against Unirea on Thursday.
"We have to go into the game with confidence and push them at Anfield and go for the win while also keeping them quiet," he said.
"It is a very important home game and we need to score some goals and not concede because away goals are very important."
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