The Reds drew with Blackburn Rovers in the quarter finals of the competition on Sunday…
Liverpool star Glen Johnson has placed blame on the Anfield pitch for the Reds’ drab FA Cup quarter final draw with Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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The two sides reached a goalless stalemate in the afternoon fixture, and Brendan Rodgers’ side found it difficult to create chances in the cup match. Johnson believes that their creative players Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling were especially hampered by the dodgy turf.
He said: “We just didn’t play to our best today. That happens sometimes. Blackburn played well and made it tough. We can’t make excuses but the pitch didn’t help us. I know it’s the same for both sides but it slowed us down. Without doubt, it’s the worst it’s been during my time at Liverpool.”
He added: “You have to watch your touch more because it bobbles so much. And it’s harder for the likes of Philippe (Coutinho) and Raheem (Sterling) to dribble with the ball. It slows everything down because the bounce is so irregular. It’s different every time. It takes a bit more concentration and it’s harder to play one touch football which is what you need to open these teams up around the box.”
The 0-0 means that Liverpool will have to play the Championship side again, although the match won’t take place for almost a month. The FA has agreed with the Premier and Football Leagues that the fixture should take place on either April 7 or 8.
The Anfield outfit will be hoping that this doesn’t take any impetus from their charge for the Champions League qualification places. They are currently just two points off fourth placed Manchester United, and play the Red Devils in the next few weeks.