TURN THE KLOPP BACK
Hamann demands new Euro era under Jurgen
DIETMAR Hamann says Liverpool must become permanent fixtures in the Champions League.
Hamann spent seven years at Anfield and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005.
The German believes the Reds need to play in the competition on a regular basis to become a major force once more.
Liverpool will face a two-legged play-off next month to book their place in the group stages of the Champions League for the coming campaign.
Key
But they will also have to juggle their domestic duties to ensure they’re competing at the top end of the Premier League table.
“They got back in the Champions League and the key is to stay there – you don’t want to drop out after one season,” said Hamann.
“It won’t be easy, there is a lot of competition going into this season, just look at who everyone ® around them is buying. They just have to find a consistency that has been lacking.”
Hamann believes some of the squad will have to adapt to playing two big games a week.
He said: “I always liked playing Wednesday to Saturday – I was never a keen trainer. The more we played, the less we trained!
“But if you haven’t done it for a number of years, you are in your mid-20s and not used to playing 60 games a season, it is a different mind-set required and a different physical aspect.
“We’ll find out, especially with the way Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp want to play, whether they have the tactical nous to play 55-60 games a season with that sort of intensity.”
Hamann is a big fan of Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita, who is Liverpool’s top target. The Reds have had a £57m bid rejected for the player and have been told by the Bundesliga club that he is not for sale at any price.
However, £70m has been touted as the figure that could get the deal done and Liverpool are still expected to come back in.
Links
Hamann said: “He’s a class player. He links up very, very well. He can play the holding role and a bit further forward, which I think is his better position. “Is £70m too much? If it’s market value, I think we’ve got to get away from people saying a player isn’t worth it. That’s what the prices are like now.” ¬ÊLucas is heading to Lazio in a £5m deal after he said farewell to his Liverpool teammates at training yesterday. ¬Ê The Reds are closing in on £8m deal for Hull left-back Andy Robertson, 23. Robertson could complete the move in the coming days and pen a long-term deal. Alberto Moreno looks now likely to depart, with Sevilla keen to re-sign him. Senior scores 65 66 68 Players Championship – 1st rd leading 64 67 ATHLETICS IAAF Diamond League CRICKET 2nd Investec Test – Tren Bridge: NatWest T20 Blast North – Old Trafford: Edgbaston South – Cheltenham: Chelmsford: Uxbridge: CYCLING Tour de France – Stage 15 GOLF European Tour – Aberdeen Asse Management Scottish Open US Tour – John Deere Classic MOTOR RACING F1 British Grand Prix World Touring Car Championship rd6 RUGBY LEAGUE St Helens v Catalans (3pm) ............................... Kingstone Press Championship