KLOPP’S WEEK IS MASSIVE
MICHAEL OWEN reckons that the coming week could have a massive bearing on Liverpool’s season — because they no longer have a Get Out Of Jail Free card.
Owen’s old club have a huge all-British tie in the Champions League on Tuesday when Rangers visit Anfield.
And, after the 4-1 defeat by Napoli in this season’s Champions League opener, he knows his club cannot afford another slip.
Next Sunday, they face Arsenal in the Premier League and if, after their mixed start to the season, they were to suffer another defeat, they could well find the gap between them and favourites Manchester City was already too great to overcome.
Owen (below) said: “There’s no denying Liverpool have not been at their best this season, but they can easily bounce back.
“The problem with Liverpool at the minute – and I wouldn’t say their season is teetering at all – but it’s only a couple of results from being a case of, ‘Oh, my gosh! How do we get out of this?’
“Two bad results in the Champions League after the first result and then two more bad results in the next two games in the Premier League would mean they are so far behind Manchester City.
“It’s almost like they’ve got rid of their Get Out Of Jail card already.
“The Rangers game is massive, because to get six points out of the first three games wouldn’t be a disaster, especially after the start, and I still see them going through.
“But in the league they really can’t afford many more slip-ups now.”
Tuesday’s clash will be the first competitive game between Liverpool and Rangers and while the Reds looked awful against Napoli and shaky in their 2-1 win against Ajax, the Glasgow giants have been well thumped by both of them.
First, they lost 4-0 in Amsterdam and then 3-0 at home to the Italians.
Owen added: “Liverpool aren’t at their brilliant best, so Rangers will be going to Anfield with a little bit of hope.
“At Ibrox, it will be a different kettle of fish, but at Anfield I expect it to be reasonably straightforward for Liverpool.
“And we all know what they are like on European nights when Anfield is a really special place – and Liverpool really need a win.”