Jurgen Klopp: Group will go down to the wire
October 25, 2018
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Champions League Group C could go down to the last game when deciding which two teams progress into the knockout stages of the competition.
The Reds, who lost to Real Madrid in the European final last season, comfortably defeated Red Star Belgrade 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night to move top of Group C with three matches remaining.
Egypt international Mohamed Salah grabbed a brace – making him the quickest Liverpool player to reach a half-century in just 65 appearances – whilst Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were also on target.
With Paris Saint-Germain levelling late to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to Napoli in the other group game, Klopp’s men are top on six points, one point ahead of the Naples out and two ahead of the reigning French champions.
The Merseysiders travel to Red Star on November 6 and the visitors are heavy 1.15 favourites to pick up the win, a draw is priced at 8.00 whilst the hosts are massive 21.00 outsiders.
Despite being in a strong position, Klopp insists qualification is not guaranteed and he believes the top-two spots could be sorted out in the final round of group fixtures.
“I think we are not through yet,” he said.
“This group will obviously stay exciting until the end, which I thought was pretty clear immediately after the draw.
“You cannot do more than win your own games and then the situation changes in your favour. That happened tonight. But it doesn’t say too much about the group, to be honest.”
Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday when they play host to Cardiff City, who head into the game off the back of an impressive 4-2 win over Fulham.
