Liverpool learn their possible opponents for Champions League knockout round

Liverpool had to avoid defeat on the final day of the Champions League group stage to ensure a place in the last 16.

The Reds had some iffy moments against RB Salzburg but came out on top thanks to a couple of fine goals.

Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah got the pair for the Reds and we finished as group winners.

All eyes will be on the Champions League draw, and there are some quality teams we could face.

The rules state that we cannot play against another English team or the second-placed team from our group.

Napoli, Chelsea and Tottenham are ruled out, and that leaves just five second-placed teams who could face us.

Atalanta, Lyon, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are the possible opponents for us in the next round.

Liverpool should fear no one

Facing Atletico or Real would be scary proposition for any side in the world, but this Liverpool team is something else.

We have not lost a single two-legged European affair under Jurgen Klopp and have beaten some quality sides over the years.

Manchester City, Barcelona, AS Roma and Bayern Munich have all been put to the sword. A clash against Real would also give us the chance to exorcise some demons from the 2018 Champions League final.

Although the Reds are great, we shouldn’t take any of the other teams lightly too. Atalanta have impressed in their first season in the Champions League while Dortmund and Lyon are capable of performing well.

The first leg of the last 16s will take place on 18/19 February or 26/26 February. The return legs will be played on 10/11 March or 17/18 March.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool dealt Manchester United blow in Erling Haaland chase
• Timo Werner would have to accept back-up role should he join Liverpool
• Genk executive confirms Liverpool are following midfielder Sander Berge

Liverpool will play the second leg at home given that they finished at the top of their group.

Liverpool set to miss out on Kai Havertz signing

Liverpool are in danger of missing out on Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, according to Bild (h/t Liverpool Echo).

The German international has been great for club and country over the past two years. His form this season hasn’t been great though, with just four goals and an assist.

Leverkusen aren’t doing all that bad in the Bundesliga though. They lie sixth in the table just five points off the top.

The report claims that Liverpool have been linked with the 20-year-old in recent months. However, Manchester United are the ones who are showing the most interest in the German attacker.

Havertz is capable of playing in several attacking positions and would be an excellent addition to this team.

The German could provide cover for Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino too, given his versatility.

January targets for Liverpool

It will be interesting to see if we make any moves in the January window. Our side looks great but injuries are piling up at the moment.

Dejan Lovren picked up a knock in the win over RB Salzburg while we have Fabinho and Joel Matip out for a while.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool dealt Manchester United blow in Erling Haaland chase
• Timo Werner would have to accept back-up role should he join Liverpool
• Genk executive confirms Liverpool are following midfielder Sander Berge

We might not require an attacker in January, but a defensive player could provide cover for the injuries and options for the remainder of the campaign.

Liverpool emerge as shock contenders for PSG’s Neymar

Liverpool are one of the clubs that want to sign Neymar, according to Le Parisian (h/t Express).

The 27-year-old left Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain to become the most expensive player in the world.

However, the report claims that PSG want to cut their losses and the Reds are monitoring the Brazilian star.

Neymar tried to return to Barcelona in the previous summer window, but the Catalans didn’t have enough money for the deal (h/t Express).

Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the Brazilian (h/t Express).

Neymar missed a chunk of this season due to an injury but he still has six goals and an assist from eight Ligue 1 games.

Liverpool don’t need Neymar

Although the Brazilian is one of the most talented players in the world, the Reds don’t need him in the team.

Our attack could improve with Neymar in the side but there have been problems with his attitude in the past.

The 27-year-old also has missed several games due to injuries while at Barcelona and PSG.

Liverpool are a well-oiled machine at the moment, and the last thing we need is a big ego coming in and making things difficult for the playing and coaching staff.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool dealt Manchester United blow in Erling Haaland chase
• Timo Werner would have to accept back-up role should he join Liverpool
• Genk executive confirms Liverpool are following midfielder Sander Berge

Jurgen Klopp has made astute signings since taking over at the club, and it will be interesting to see who his next target could be.