Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe, insists Ancelotti
NAPOLI coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted their pre-season friendly hammering by Liverpool highlighted exactly how not to play against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Reds were 5-0 winners when the pair met in the Aviva Stadium in August, with goals from James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum, Mo Salah, Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno.
Ancelotti, tonight facing Liverpool for the ninth time in his career, knows they can’t afford to be as open against a team he rates as one of Europe’s best.
“The Dublin match is an experience, it has taught us many things, for example how not to play against Liverpool,” he said.
“It was a friendly, we did not want to focus on the opponent.
“The test will be very difficult, we will not have much time to think about what to do on the pitch, but we have a lot of confidence and we will do it.
“Liverpool have improved a lot, they managed to reach the final last year and they have started the season very well.
“I think they have become one of the strongest teams in Europe. They have a great physical condition, play with intensity and overcome the challenges of the Champions League.”
Ancelotti said he was surprised by the appointment of Hungarian Viktor Kassai as referee for tonight’s clash.
The Italian criticised the official in April 2017, saying he “wasn’t up to the task” of a Champions League quarter-final after his Bayern Munich side were eliminated by Real Madrid, with Arturo Vidal sent off.
“Kassai reminds me of a bad memory and I am surprised by this appointment,” said Ancelotti. “Not a long time has passed. Time heals things, but does not cancel them.”
Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne, who has scored five times this season, singled out Roberto Firmino as Liverpool’s key man.
“Firmino is the most decisive player because he comes to play between the lines and opens the spaces,” he said. “I hope to put them in trouble and be able to make chances.”