Liverpool were linked to Ajax, Napoli and Rangers FC during a draw for the group stage of the Champions League in Istanbul. The losing finalist of last season of the European royal class twice won 1-0 against Ajax two years ago. Nicolás Tagliafico scored an own goal in Amsterdam. Liverpool goalkeeper André Onana made a mistake.
“We all have chances to survive this group,” Klopp said. “We are facing a real challenge, but we are happy to take on it. The only certainty at this point is that all six matches will be incredibly competitive and very intense. I’m excited. It is a real ‘football group’.”
“We’ve played against Napoli in the past,” Klopp continued. “We also know Rangers, but they are a relatively new opponent. Their story over the years is very interesting and they are doing very well.”
Timber wants striker Núñez now to be the boss with Ajax
Jurriën Timber immediately thought of Darwin Núñez after the draw of the group stage of the Champions League. The defender of Ajax was surprised by the striker from Uruguay in the eighth finals of the royal class last season. Because goalkeeper André Onana also did not intervene properly, Ajax lost 1-0 to Benfica in its own stadium and missed the quarter-finals.
Núñez now plays for Liverpool, who paid 75 million euros for him. The top club from England, Napoli and Rangers FC were linked to Ajax during a draw for the group stage of the Champions League in Istanbul. “I immediately thought, now I must be the boss of that Núñez”; laughed Timber.
Satisfied
Timber is satisfied with the result of the draw. “It is a tough group, but they are nice teams to play against. The away games are going to be very nice. I read that Napoli have remained unbeaten in front of their home crowd in the Champions League for the past two years. Liverpool, of course, made it to the final and Rangers did in the Europa League.”
“We won’t be the favorite against Liverpool, but it will be a nice test for us. Also for me personally. I watched the second half of PSV against Rangers on Wednesday. Rangers have a good team, but I also see opportunities for us.”