Europa League Success Could "Save the Season" Says Kolo Toure

It's unclear when exactly Liverpool reached the inevitable "X can save our season" phase of the campaign, but what is clear is that they are definitely now in the thick of it. The club had a chance at its first piece of silverware under Jürgen Klopp on Sunday, but having failed that test they're now left to pick up the pieces in their remaining competitions.

"It was a bad day and we all feel down because we could have won," early substitute Kolo Toure said.  "To lose on penalties is very harsh. City have experience and calmness. Their goalkeeper did amazingly for them. When you come back like that, you feel as if you have the chance to win it. We had a few chances, they had a few chances as well.

"They have been in that kind of situation and you only learn by losing those sort of games. You have to learn to lose sometimes before you win. We learn as a team together. The Europa League can save the season and the Premier League is not over yet. It will be tough at Anfield but we can get three points against [Manchester City]. We have plenty of important games coming up."

By the time Liverpool complete their Round of 16 Europa League tie against Manchester United on St. Patrick's Day, the club will have played all the Manchesters twice each in just under three weeks. Louis van Gaal's side haven't looked spectacular all season, but since Liverpool haven't either it will take some doing to get past their arch rivals in hopes of ensuring a spot in the quarter finals and getting one step closer to saving their season.