Liverpool ace: Jurgen Klopp's half-time team talk inspired Stoke win

ADAM LALLANA has admitted there were a few stern words in the dressing room of Tuesday night's clash against Stoke.

 

Liverpool celebrate beating Stoke 6-5 on penalties

 

The Reds booked their place at Wembley after overcoming the Potters 6-5 on penalties at Anfield in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup.

Marko Arnautovic scored on the stroke of half-time to give the away side the lead and Lallana says Jurgen Klopp needed to deliver an inspiring team-talk in the dressing room to help see them through.

"In the first half we were poor and there were a few strong words at half-time," said Lallana.

 

"Not just from the manager but from ourselves. We knew it. The second half was better and in extra time both teams were tired. I thought we were very composed in the end.

"We told each other that we had to be more composed on the ball, to want the ball and play out from the back rather than hitting it long, which we did a few too many times. 

"It wasn’t over the top like it was with them (Manchester United). We could hear it kicking off from our dressing room.

 

"We tried to have a bit more structure but we all knew that we hadn’t been good enough in the first half. 

"It got better as the game went on. It wasn’t a pretty game but it was all about getting through and we are at Wembley now. We have got a chance to win a trophy, which is brilliant."

Liverpool will face Manchester City at Wembley on February 28 after Manuel Pellegrini's side defeated Everton 3-1 last night in the second leg of their semi-final.