Uwith Liverpool putting in some stuttering performances domestically, tonight they return to the competition that so often seems to inspire them as they open their Champions League campaign at Napoli.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have reached the final of this competition three times in the last five seasons, lifting the trophy in Madrid in 2019, but losing two finals to Real Madrid in 2018 and 2022. Liverpool have faced Napoli four times this term period, winning just once, and losing both visits to the cavernous Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, formerly San Paolo. Carlo Ancelotti presided over both of Napoli’s victories and also overcame Liverpool in Paris in May.
Napoli is now managed by Luciano Spalletti and finished third ahead of Juventus in Serie A last season. There have been changes on the pitch this summer with Kalidou Koulibaly sold to Chelsea and Dries Mertens bidding farewell after nine years in Italy. The arrivals are weaker but there is a familiar face for Premier League fans with former Fulham player Andre Zambo Anguisa added in midfield. They are unbeaten in five league games in the new season, conceding four goals.
Liverpool are still struggling with some injury problems, with Jordan Henderson pulling a hamstring in the win over Newcastle and Fabio Carvalho picking up a knock at the weekend. Ibrahima Konate is expected to return after the international break, but Thiago Alcantara has returned to training.
Klopp explained: “Thiago is back in training, the second day today, he is ready. How long, we’ll see. Hendo, the scan results show that after the international break he will be back.”
There is a chance for Liverpool to set a new club record by winning their seventh consecutive European away game.
Ajax and Rangers are the other two teams in a tasty group and play in the opener tonight. Full team news coming soon.
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