Andy Robertson delivered one of the most talked-about moments from Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, when his unusual goal sparked laughter and a Puskas Award joke.
But the vice-captain’s comments after the match went far beyond humour.
It touched on Liverpool’s late-winning habit, the impact of new signings and his own role in a squad brimming with competition.
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Robertson’s Puskas award joke and what it reveals
Robertson admitted he had “not got a clue” how his goal went in, after Mohamed Salah’s free-kick deflected off him and trickled beyond Jan Oblak (via Liverpool FC).
“The set-piece coach, for whatever reason, he said I was crucial to set-pieces today so I’ve taken it literally!
“I was just trying to get in the line of the ’keeper so he couldn’t really see. It’s a great finish, give me the Puskas Award now! ”
The lighthearted moment summed up Robertson’s character, but his remarks also showed how seriously Liverpool approach details, even in set-piece drills.
His goal set the Reds on their way before Salah doubled the lead, Van Dijk struck late and Atletico’s Marcos Llorente caused nervy moments in between.
Robertson admitted Liverpool cannot always rely on last-gasp winners:
“We need to maybe get back to winning a bit simpler and a bit easier.
“Obviously it’s a great thing to have, being able to keep going right to the end, but when you’re 2-0 up and you’ve played so well in the first half, it should have been a more comfortable night.”
The night also saw Alexander Isak make his Liverpool debut and Hugo Ekitike provide energy from the bench.
Robertson praised both, calling them “the future” of the club, while emphasising the responsibility he feels as vice-captain to guide and push the squad forward.
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