KLOPP FEARS ROAD TO HELL

JURGEN KLOPP has warned his Liverpool side they will crash out of the Champions League if they do not improve their away form in the group stages.

The Reds lost all three of their group games on the road last season, but still made the knockout stages before lifting the trophy in June.

And they kicked off the defence of their European crown with defeat at Napoli last month before beating Red Bull Salzburg at Anfield last time out.

But boss Klopp

(above) admits

Liverpool cannot rely on results at home to escape

Group E as they prepare to face

Genk here in

Belgium tonight.

He said: “Last year we were lucky with how tight the group was... we could lose three times away and still have a chance to make it through.

“That will not happen this year. It’s completely different. We don’t rely on home games or whatever.

“Obviously we like to say European nights at Anfield are really special – but other teams can make a special atmosphere as well. We know we have to improve, and we try again and again and again until it works out.”

Conquering Europe has led to seven Kop stars being on the shortlist for the Ballon d’or –

Trent Alexander-arnold, Alisson, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Gini Wijnaldum.

“It is a very good sign and after last season and how we played it is normal that a lot of players have to be nominated if there are football experts,” added Klopp.

Alexanderarnold (virus) and Joel Matip (knee) are out tonight while Salah travelled to Genk after missing Sunday’s draw with Manchester United with an ankle injury.

James Milner (above) is expected to feature and the former England player is hopeful his contract situation will soon be sorted with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

The 33-year-old midfielder said: “There have been talks so hopefully it gets resolved sooner rather than later.”