UCL: Rio Ferdinand Reveals Why Liverpool Were Eliminated
Following Liverpool defeat, Rio Ferdinand expressed his belief that their demise this year was down to a lack of intensity on and off the ball
Joy Kalu 
Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has said Liverpool lacked belief against Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday night, March 15, 2023.
The Reds were dumped out of the competition after losing 1-0 at the Bernabeu.
Madrid had come from behind to win 5-2 in the first leg at Anfield.
Ferdinand described Liverpool’s display in Spain as “flat”.
He said on BT Sport: “This never became the game we really hoped for.
“We were hoping for a fast and frantic start and put Real under pressure.
“They didn’t seem like they believed they could win this before a ball was kicked.
"They look like team that's run out of steam, physicality was one of the biggest parts of their success, outrunning teams, overpowering teams, plus their tactical nous - and now they're not doing it.
'The team looks exposed, open and lacklustre in defence. They’re not winning duels like they used to and then with that all together you get results like you get this season.
'It's back to basics sometimes, the intensity in this team was huge but it's no longer there, whether it's forward players or defenders.
'They're also not defending like they were before in transitions and turnovers and I don't see the authority or confidence now.
'It's natural to lose confidence after a (bad) result but it's rearing its head week-after-week.'
