Klopp: Our clubs won’t dominate Europe again

JURGEN KLOPP does not believe Liverpool’s Champions League triumph will kick-start a period of English dominance in the competition. Liverpool have been finalists in the Champions League for the past two years and last season’s final against Tottenham — as well as the Europa League showdown between Chelsea and Arsenal — suggests Premier League clubs are leading the way.

But Klopp, who will find out where Liverpool’s defence of the trophy begins later this evening when the draw is made in Monaco, is not buying into the theory that his team and Manchester City are the ones to beat.

He also fears that the road back to Istanbul, where the final is staged next May, will be even more

arduous than the one that took them to Kiev and Madrid.

‘I don’t think there was ever a stronger Pot 2. It is just crazy,’ said Klopp, pointing out that both Madrid clubs, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica and Tottenham are some of the clubs outside the first group.

‘They should all be in Pot 1, but there is not enough space there. I don’t think there was ever a stronger Pot 3. Then Pot 4 you can get RB Leipzig. Wow!

‘The groups will be incredible. I have no clue who will win the Champions League. We have the same chance like everyone else, but that is all, and no I don’t see us, the English teams, dominating.

‘Bayern Munich now finally brought in Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho, which is like a big boost. Look at the squad Borussia Dortmund has and tell me we are stronger than them. That is incredible. They can make five changes and you think, “Really? They didn’t play last week? Why?”

‘There are a lot of quality teams. Juventus will be there, PSG will be there. Whatever happens they will find solutions. Real Madrid? Do you think they gave up already.’

Yet Frank Lampard feels the English contingent have an excellent chance of success — but concedes that Chelsea’s Champions League bid will be hindered by their transfer ban.

‘It will be a big challenge for us. We know the difficulties of the ban etc and where we’re at. But it shouldn’t take away from the great challenge we have to try to do well in it,’ the Chelsea boss said.

‘I think the Premier League is so strong and that’s clear when you have two teams in the final.

‘Manchester City are clearly an absolutely top team in world football,’ he added.