The jubilation of finishing in the Champions League places looks to be short-lived for Liverpool. The fans who rejoiced finishing fourth last season are now disappointed after learning their playoff opponent. Liverpool would be facing German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim across two legs, with the winner qualifying for the group stage of the European premier club competition.
The first leg is scheduled for August 15-16 at Hoffenheim while the return leg at Anfield would be played on August 22 or 23.
In more ways than one, this was bad news for the Reds. Being seeded, we could have drawn some of the lesser known names in the pot like Steaua Bucharest, Young Boys, Istanbul Basaksehir or even Nice.
However, we landed up with the toughest possible opponent and Hoffenheim are not going to be easy fish. It is true that the German side has never qualified for the Champions League but have been consistent in the Bundesliga in the recent past. They finished fourth last season, just two points off Borussia Dortmund – Jurgen Klopp’s former team.
Known to be one of the most attack-minded sides in Germany, Hoffenheim always play to thrill their fans. One of our star players – Roberto Firmino – knows all too well about them, having spent four years there before joining Anfield in 2015.
Fans took Twitter to react to this news and most of them were disappointed.
Literally the hardest team we could’ve got ffs
— cwrighty97 (@cwrighty97) August 4, 2017
Another fan was distraught at the poor luck we brought to the draw.
Of course we had to get the hardest one
— School is (@mathias_oren) August 4, 2017
Can’t believe we drew them. Probably the toughest but we can do it
— Stinger bee (@stingerbee177) August 4, 2017
But the best of the lot is the fan who pointed out that we play better against tough teams and should qualify without problems.
And the first leg is away haha sick… we shouldn’t fear anyone though if anything we play better again the good teams
— Joshua Gresham (@joshawaaa) August 4, 2017
Tough Opponent, But Not Beyond Our Ability
Looking at the way we dismantled Bayern Munich – although it was just a friendly – this side means business this season. If anything, drawing Hoffenheim should spur Klopp to do better and seal the Champions League group place.
What do you think?
