Carabao Cup: Gakpo’s double takes Liverpool into QF; Arsenal move past Preston North
After a goalless first half at Amex Stadium, Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock just seconds after the restart when he found the top corner with an unstoppable effort.
Talking about the depth in the 2019-20 Champions League, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp feels that it is just “crazy” as the teams are extremely strong.
Notably, the draw for the group stage will be held in Monaco on Thursday, with Liverpool getting ready to fight for their title defence.
The presence of teams like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham, Ajax and Benfica in pot two better explains the level of competition awaited.
Advertisement
Klopp, whose side beat Spurs 2-0 in last season’s final, said such teams belonged in pot one.
“I don’t think there was ever a stronger pot two. It is just crazy,” he told UK newspapers.
“They should all be in pot one, but there is not enough space there. I don’t think there was ever a stronger pot three. If people really think about this kind of Super League, then you don’t need it. That’s it. Then pot four you can get RB Leipzig – wow.”
The Reds are in pot one along with Chelsea, Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Zenit.
CONFIRMED: #UCLdraw pots! ✅
Pick the strongest team from each 👇 pic.twitter.com/D06AiDU5NA
— #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) August 28, 2019
Meanwhile, the German coach said there were several contenders to lift the trophy in Istanbul on 30 May next year.
“I really think a lot of teams have a good chance. Bayern Munich now finally brought in (Ivan) Perisic and (Philippe) Coutinho which is like a big boost,” Klopp said.
Advertisement
