Two first-half strikes from Milan Pavkov, a 24-year-old scoring his first European goals in only his 11th appearance, were enough to beat the off-colour Reds. A third successive Champions League away defeat, taking into account May's semi-final reverse in Rome, equalled the run of 1979 which was 'achieved' over three seasons, not three successive matches. It posed plenty of questions for manager Jurgen Klopp, whose decision to leave Xherdan Shaqiri, of Kosovar-Albanian parentage, at home in order to lessen local hostilities, had no bearing on this performance. There was an ominous feeling to Liverpool's 200th match in the Champions League/European Cup when, in the 17th minute, Daniel Sturridge missed a sitter. Sadio Mane found space down the left to drill a low cross which evaded Mohamed Salah but found his team-mate at the far post, only for the striker to lean back and balloon over. When Sturridge's right-footed shot on the turn deflected for a corner, the tide turned as the hosts … [Read more...] about Liverpool’s Champions League hopes dealt major blow after falling to shock defeat in Belgrade
Liverpool chelsea champions league
Klopp on getting over Liverpool’s Champions League final loss
Some 115 days after the heartache of Kiev, Liverpool will embark on another European adventure at Anfield on Tuesday night. There has been no hangover from the bitter disappointment of defeat to Real Madrid in May's Champions League final. Jurgen Klopp has overseen the perfect response with this summer's show of ambition in the transfer market swiftly followed by five straight Premier League wins. His reign remains on an exciting upward curve and the mood around the club is buoyant ahead of the mouthwatering Group C opener against Paris Saint-Germain. Missing out on a sixth European crown cut deep at the time but Klopp believes that remarkable journey to Ukraine left a legacy. “I think we got a lot of respect because of the way we played last season,” he said. “I think everyone who saw the final saw that we could have won it against a side in a completely different moment. They played with a full squad, full everything. “We had to do it the hard way with our … [Read more...] about Klopp on getting over Liverpool’s Champions League final loss
Liverpool boss Klopp makes Champions League goalkeeper decision
Alisson Becker will be Liverpool's Champions League goalkeeper after Jurgen Klopp opted not to rotate his number one in the competition this season. Last year, Loris Karius was chosen as the Reds' keeper in the group stages despite Simon Mignolet having featured in the qualifying round against Hoffenheim and in the majority of the Premier League games during the first half of the campaign. Karius was then retained for the knockout stages after Klopp chose to make the German his overall first-choice between the sticks in the New Year. Klopp, though, will not repeat such rotation this season and will instead stick with Alisson when the Champions League group stage starts later this month. The Reds have been drawn in Group C alongside Paris Saint-Germain of France, Serie A side Napoli and Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade. With Karius having started a two-year loan at Besiktas, Mignolet is now understudy to Alisson and is expected to be Liverpool's domestic cup goalkeeper. The Reds face … [Read more...] about Liverpool boss Klopp makes Champions League goalkeeper decision
The truth about Liverpool’s Champions League draw
File under 'could have been a lot easier'. Liverpool's Champions League draw has pitted them against some seriously testing opposition in Paris Saint-German, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade. Not least as the group stage begins slap bang in the middle of a run of difficult Premier League games next month. Oh, with a Carabao Cup game against Chelsea thrown in as well. Read More Latest Liverpool FC podcasts These, though, are the fixtures for which Jurgen Klopp has assembled his new-look squad. In the latest Blood Red podcast, regular host and Liverpool reporter Ian Doyle is joined by full-time Liverpool correspondent - both home and away - James Pearce and ECHO hack Kristian Walsh to discuss the last few days of all things Anfield. Thursday's European draw dominates the agenda, with all three agreeing it's for such nights that you qualify for the Champions League. Kristian becomes Ian momentarily, while James is always James. It's lively. It's informative. It's another must listen. Enjoy. … [Read more...] about The truth about Liverpool’s Champions League draw
Liverpool Champions League group opponents in focus
Liverpool have discovered their Champions League opponents ahead of this year's group stage. The Reds are bidding to go one better than last year, where they suffered heartbreak in the final against Real Madrid . Jurgen Klopp's men are one of the favourites for success this year and come out victorious in June's final at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Liverpool have made a positive start to the Premier League season and will be looking to take that form onto the continent. Here is all you need to know ahead of Liverpool's Champions League campaign... Group Paris Saint-Germain Napoli Liverpool Red Star Belgrade Fixtures September 18 - Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain (8PM) October 3 - Napoli vs Liverpool (8pm) October 24 - Liverpool vs Red Star Belgrade (8PM) November 6 - Red Star Belgrade vs Liverpool (5:55PM) November 28 - Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool (8PM) December 11 - Liverpool vs Napoli (8PM) Fixtures subject to change Opponents in focus Paris Saint-Germain … [Read more...] about Liverpool Champions League group opponents in focus