LEGEND LUIS HAS A SNEAKING FEEL
LUIS GARCIA knows what it takes to win the Champions League – and he thinks Liverpool are better placed to conquer Europe NOW than they were 12 years ago.
The Spaniard, who started the famous 2005 final triumph over AC Milan, has seen enough of Jurgen Klopp’s team to suggest that this might be their year, despite yesterday’s hammering in Manchester.
And he is delighted with the return of Philippe Coutinho – who he thinks will star in Liverpool’s assault on Europe’s elite club competition. Klopp (left) must navigate a route out of Group E, where Liverpool are joined by Wednesday’s opponents Sevilla – yesterday – Spartak and Maribor.
Garcia, though, has no doubt his old side can be the dark horses this season.
He said: “I think for Jurgen this has to be the season. He has been at the club nearly two years and has been trying to build a team similar to the one he had back in Germany. This has to be the season where the trophies are coming back to the club.
“I think he is doing a good job and has brought in some of the players he wanted.
“Now it’s the time for him to show that the team is ready to face everything.
“If you look at the players and some of their performances you can say why not have a go at the Champions League.
“When I was at Liverpool nobody really knew too much about us until we reached the 2005 final. Everyone was surprised but I think the team now is a lot better than back then.