Krawietz Reveals Origi Was Modeled After Former Man City Star for Barcelona Clash

The Untold Story Behind Divock Origi’s Legendary Night Against Barcelona

Divock Origi’s name will forever be etched in Liverpool folklore, thanks to his unforgettable performance in the dramatic Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Recently, Peter Krawietz, Jurgen Klopp’s trusted assistant, unveiled the inspiration behind Origi’s heroic display that magical night.

In an exclusive interview with Redmen TV, Krawietz revealed that Edin Dzeko’s standout performance against Barcelona the previous year served as a key motivator for Origi. Roma’s stunning comeback in the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-finals provided the blueprint for Liverpool’s own miraculous recovery at Anfield.

Dzeko’s Influence

Dzeko’s instrumental role in Roma’s astonishing 3-0 victory over Barcelona in April 2018, which overturned a 4-1 first-leg deficit, showcased the possibility of toppling the Catalan giants. This remarkable feat did not go unnoticed by Klopp and his coaching staff. As they prepared for their own daunting task against the Spanish behemoth, they used Roma’s triumph as a source of belief and strategic guidance.

“Edin Dzeko’s performance was a massive inspiration for us,” Krawietz disclosed. “We analyzed Roma’s game closely and saw how Dzeko’s physicality and positioning troubled Barcelona’s defense. We believed that if we could replicate some of those aspects, we might just pull off the impossible.”

Origi Steps Up

Liverpool entered the second leg at Anfield trailing 3-0 from the first encounter at Camp Nou. With key players like Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino sidelined due to injuries, the odds were heavily stacked against the Reds. However, the spirit of Dzeko’s performance provided a glimmer of hope.

Klopp and his team meticulously planned their strategy, focusing on high-intensity pressing and exploiting Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities. Origi, tasked with leading the line, was briefed to mirror Dzeko’s relentless energy and decisive movements.

“Divock took everything on board brilliantly,” Krawietz continued. “He understood his role perfectly and was ready to seize his moment. We knew that if he could channel the same determination and focus as Dzeko, we had a real chance.”

A Night to Remember

Origi’s execution of the game plan was flawless. He opened the scoring early, converting a rebound after Jordan Henderson’s initial effort was saved. The atmosphere at Anfield, already electric, reached fever pitch.

Liverpool’s relentless pressure paid off with two quick goals from Georginio Wijnaldum in the second half, leveling the aggregate score. Then, in the 79th minute, came the iconic moment that sealed Origi’s place in Liverpool history. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick-thinking corner caught Barcelona’s defense off guard, and Origi was perfectly positioned to volley the ball into the net, completing one of the most sensational comebacks in Champions League history.

Mission Accomplished

With a 4-0 victory on the night, Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League final, where they would eventually triumph against Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid. Origi’s contributions were pivotal, and the influence of Dzeko’s performance a year earlier had come full circle.

Reflecting on the night, Krawietz remarked, “It was an incredible moment for everyone. Divock’s goals were the result of a collective belief and an extraordinary effort from the entire team. The inspiration from Dzeko’s game played a crucial part in shaping our approach, and it’s something we’ll always cherish.”

Legacy Cemented

Origi’s heroics against Barcelona are now legendary, symbolizing Liverpool’s resilience and determination under Klopp’s stewardship. The Belgian forward’s ability to rise to the occasion, inspired by Dzeko’s prior achievements, underscores the importance of learning from past successes and believing in the seemingly impossible.

As Liverpool fans look back on that unforgettable night, they can appreciate the meticulous planning and the inspiration drawn from other great comebacks in football history. Divock Origi’s name will forever be linked with one of the greatest moments Anfield has ever witnessed, a testament to the power of belief and the influence of past champions.