Liverpool have been drawn into the “group of death” along with Paris Saint-Germain , Napoli and Serbian title holders Red Star Belgrade. The French champions were drawn from pot 1 whereas Napoli were drawn from pot 2. Much to the surprise of everyone, Liverpool were put in pot 3.
The pots are made according to UEFA Club Co-efficient that is based on their performances in Europe across the previous 5 years. Liverpool reached the Champions League final last year and the Europa League final 2 years ago. Yet, they were placed below every other English side. Even Chelsea and Arsenal had a better rating despite being in the Europa League.
After being drawn into the “group of death“, the Napoli president was incensed. De Laurentiis is unhappy that Napoli will face an emerging Liverpool side. Liverpool thrashed the Italian side 5-0 in a pre-season friendly in Dublin last month.
The Napoli President has promised to question UEFA over this. He feels that Jurgen Klopp’s men should atleast be in the same pot. “Liverpool, Champions League finalists, are put in pot 3? It is a disastrous anomaly.” This is what De Laurentiis felt after the draw.
De Laurentiis is known to speak about everything he feels and doesn’t hold back on his opinions. Just a couple of weeks ago, he accused Maurizio Sarri of letting him down in term of trophies.
Him feeling intimidated about facing off against the Reds is certainly a compliment for the Merseyside club. It just goes on to show how much have the Reds gained respect across Europe after reaching the final of the Champions League.
