Why Liverpool might not qualify beyond Champions League group stages?
After last night's Champions League fixtures, it is quite clear that Group C is the most unpredictable one this term. Klopp's Liverpool started on a promising note but ended up losing against Napoli while Paris Saint-Germain routed Red Star with a 6-1 thumping. Here we decode why Liverpool, the previous edition's finalists, might not even make it beyond the group stages, this term.
Mo Salah is far from his best this term
For any team to win steadily, a prolific goal-scorer is needed, and that is exactly what Salah was for Liverpool last term. However, the Egyptian forward is going through a dry phase this term and has been far from his usual finesse. Moreover, Liverpool forwards are missing a lot of chances this season as they are wasting away scoring opportunities in every other match.
Napoli are proving to be a surprise package
Last night, Liverpool put up one of their poorest performances ever, under Jurgen Klopp, and they paid a heavy price. Napoli, already at the top of the table, have good chances of beating Red Star and putting up a great fight against PSG, thus making things difficult for Liverpool. Napoli have a solid defense and can upset matters again in the next leg.
PSG will be brimming with confidence after last night
Liverpool beat PSG 3-2, but the next leg in Paris would not be easy. Neymar is eager to leave a mark, this season and would make matters difficult for the Reds. PSG will be confident of winning when they host Napoli and Liverpool. Given they are far ahead of other Ligue 1 sides, PSG can afford to give top players enough rest.
Red Star drew with Napoli, can also draw with Liverpool
We should not forget that Red Star did hold Napoli to a draw in their first Champions League match. There is a good enough probability that the same fate will befall on Liverpool when they visit Serbia. The fact that Napoli's match against Red Star was the third ever, in modern UCL history, where they didn't score is a testimony to Red Star's potential.
High-pressing football has started taking a toll on Klopp's men
Liverpool were brilliant in their first few matches of the season due to the high work-rate each player put in. However, as the season progresses, players are bound to get tired, and since Liverpool play off the ball, their pressing might see a slack, especially from older players like Milner. Already having lost against Chelsea and now Napoli, are Klopp's men headed towards downfall?
