RED-HOT SUPPORT FOR LIVERPOOL
Anfield legends back Klopp’s team to beat Barcelona
IF Liverpool can figure out a way to stop Lionel Messi, they would win the Champions League title.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer feels that the Barcelona forward is the only thing that stands between Liverpool and the Champions League title, which the Reds last won in 2005.
Liverpool legends McAteer, Steve McManaman and Sami Hyypia were in Kuala Lumpur yesterday for the “Fan Experience” at the LFC World Hub at a shopping centre where a Champions League trophy replica was on display.
The three former Liverpool stars all agreed that if Jurgen Klopp’s men can keep up their intensity, they can stop Barcelona.
However, McAteer said: “Messi stands out. He’s difficult to mark and take out. If Liverpool can contain him, it’ll be great (for Liverpool fans).
The Irishman said he is looking forward to an interesting duel between Messi and Liverpool’s near unbeatable defender Virgil Van Dijk.
Van Dijk, who cost Liverpool US$100 million (RM414 million), is the most expensive defender in
the world. But he is worth every cent to the Reds, as in this season hardly anyone got past him in open play.
He was one of the factors for Liverpool being on the top of the EPL table at the moment and being in the Champions League semi-finals.
It’s going to be mouthwateirng just to see Messi, the Flea, trying to wriggle past the giant Dutchman.
McAteer feels that with Barcelona being an ageing team, Liverpool stand a fair chance of winning.
“On the other side, Barcelona will have to contain (Mohamed) Salah and (Sadio) Mane. It’s going to be an interesting time.”
Meanwhile, McManaman was doing the maths on the points needed in the remaining matches in Liverpool’s neck and neck race with City for the EPL title.
The Englishman said even if Liverpool do not win the EPL title, it’s already been an incredible journey for the Reds.
“I think if Liverpool win all of their games starting with Cardiff City, they will get 97 points. But it depends on what Manchester City will do,” said McManaman.
“Because if they (City) win all of their games, and they are favourites to win all their matches, they would win the league by one point.
“So, I think if Liverpool get the 97 points and it would be incredibly lucky (for Liverpool) if Manchester City lose a game. But we have had the most incredible season.
“I think whatever happens, we just have to rejoice at the fact that Liverpool just get better and better this year and the gap with the rest of the teams is huge.”
Liverpool’s remaining Premier League matches are against Cardiff City, Huddersfield, Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Waiting for Manchester City are Tottenham, Manchester United, Burnley, Leicester City and Brighton.
Should both teams win all their matches, City will still win their second consecutive Premier League title by one point.