Liverpool will have a real chance of winning the Champions League once again this season, despite their slow start.
That’s according to TalkSPORT pundit Stuart Pearce. Speaking earlier today, Pearce said that although Liverpool have started the season relatively poorly, he still expects them to go deep in Europe.
“I’ve got no doubt that Liverpool will [be challengers for the Champions League]. I think at this moment in time they’re suffering through injury and one or two other things, but you don’t have to be on form now to win the Champions League, you have to be in form February, March time, that’s when it really matters,” said the pundit.
“But certainly at the moment I think Liverpool will have a decent tilt as well I would suspect. Outside of City and Liverpool, I’m not sure that the credentials are there to go and win it [from the English sides].”
Liverpool’s European pedigree growing year-on-year
It’s a sign of just how far Liverpool have come recently that they’re now one of the favourites for the Champions League year-in year-out. Just a few short seasons ago, The Reds were struggling even to qualify for the tournament.
In seven attempts, that’s a pretty impressive hit-rate from the German.
Of course, Liverpool have only got over the line as winners in one of those four finals. But last time The Reds missed out in the final, as they did last season, they went on to win it the following year.
In these massive tournaments, a lot of stock is placed on having been there and done it before. Real Madrid are the kings of that, and showed why in May’s final in Paris.
But short of Real, Liverpool are one of the most experienced sides in the competition. Numerous players have featured in three Champions League finals, something many would dream about doing even once.
As a result, they know exactly what it takes to make it through the competition. Pearce is right too, if you’re not in-form early on, just make sure you ride through the early rounds. Liverpool know how to do that alright.
They’ve got perhaps the hardest test of their group tomorrow night away to Napoli. Ride through that with a good result, and things will start looking up.
