Julian Nagelsmann has refused to write off Liverpool FC heading into the UEFA Champions League Last-16 game on Tuesday night as the RB Leipzig gaffer tipped the Merseysiders to be the favourites.
Nagelsmann’s comments come amid a torrid run of form recorded by Jurgen Klopp’s outfit in recent times, with Liverpool FC having won just two of their last eight outings across all competitions.
Admitting that his upcoming opponents had not been at their best of late, the Leipzig manager believes the Reds to be a massive threat in the competition and that results of domestic football would not factor into their showings in the UEFA Champions League.
“We are in a good flow. We have won the last four matches while Liverpool have not won five out of their last seven,” Nagelsmann said in his pre-match press conference.
“They are the slight favourites based on their international experience but we have shown that we can hold our own against such teams, both last year and this season with a very tough group stage. We have clearly developed as a team.”
Nagelsmann added: “A lot depends on the form of the day.
“We know that Liverpool still are a very good team with world-class players. It is always difficult to defend against them.
“The results in the Premier League don’t count in the Champions League.
“They have written off the league title and will be 100% focused on the game tomorrow.”
Klopp’s side have failed to hit the ground running since the backend of last year and a third straight defeat on Saturday against Leicester City all but ended hopes of retaining their top-flight crown come the end of the season.
Champions League football is understood to have been prioritised by the Merseysiders in light of recent results across league action and the forthcoming game against Leipzig is expected to be a much-hyped affair to look forward to.
