- Liverpool responded to falling behind at Manchester City to win 2-1
- Reds won 5-1 on aggregate to move into UEFA Champions League semi-finals
- James Milner praised his side for holding firm against strong City pressure
James Milner has claimed that Liverpool still have plenty to learn after admitting the Reds were given a wake-up call during their Champions League win at Manchester City.
The Reds fell behind to a Gabriel Jesus strike inside just two minutes at the Etihad Stadium, but responded in the second half with goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino to progress to the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate.
Milner, who was captain in the absence of Jordan Henderson, praised his side’s resilience during the second leg as well as their ability to soak up City pressure.
Liverpool’s players celebrate following their victory against Manchester City on Tuesday
James Milner celebrates Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Manchester City
The Liverpool skipper is congratulated on his performance by manager Jurgen Klopp
Milner praised his team from coming behind to win but admits they have much to learn
‘It woke us up that early,’ Milner said. ‘That says a lot about the boys to come under that pressure and second half we got hold of it slightly more.
‘We still have to improve and we need to learn from the tie. But everyone knows how good Man City are.
‘We wanted to improve (after HT). We didn’t get high enough, everyone together. We got about them a bit more second half, but we defended well again and that’s the key.
As well as his team-mates, Salah also praised the Liverpool supporters inside the Etihad Stadium for their vocal backing.
Mohamed Salah takes the ball past Ederson before scoring Liverpool’s pivotal away goal
Reds supporters cannot contain their delight as Salah and Mane celebrate in front of them
Salah’s goal helped fire Liverpool into their first Champions League semi-final in 10 years
Reds supporters led chants of ‘Mo Salah’ to the tune of the James hit ‘Sit Down’ after the Egyptian’s equaliser as well as a minute from time after the forward was substituted.
‘That goal was the right time for us because they pressed high. At the beginning we struggled but we come back and played hard and got the result.
‘It’s a great song (in the background). I play for the team, I try to score each game for the team, that’s the most important thing for me.
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