Liverpool were left frustrated by Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar during Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League loss, but should have controlled their aggression better in the face of the Brazilian’s “playacting”, defender Andy Robertson has said.
The Parc des Princes contest was marked by a number of interruptions, with last season’s finalists Liverpool committing 20 fouls and picking up six yellow cards.
But Robertson said the French side had indulged in gamesmanship.
“I suppose they were in the lead and they were looking to waste time. You can use gamesmanship, playacting, you can use it all really,” Robertson told Sky Sports.
“I would like to know how much time they wasted... it was frustrating. But when you play against PSG, you know it’s something you’re going to come up against, especially with him (Neymar).
“It wasn’t something we quite dealt with tonight.
“It’s frustrating when he is falling like he is. It’s all part and parcel of his game, and we needed to deal with that. We didn’t quite control our aggression.”
Defeat left the English club’s hopes of reaching the last-16 hanging in the balance.
Liverpool are third in Group C on six points, two behind PSG and three behind Napoli, who they face at Anfield in the final round of matches on December 11.
. @neymarjr is now the top scoring Brazilian player in @championsleague history with 31 goals! 🏆🇧🇷 #PSGLFC #UCL🔴🔵 #AllezParis pic.twitter.com/c7dkhXDWwP
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) November 28, 2018
Jurgen Klopp’s side need a 1-0 win, or a victory by a two-goal margin or more, to progress.
“It is at Anfield. I am sure we will have another special night, the fans can create a special atmosphere, and hopefully get the result that we need,” Robertson said.