Jamie Carragher upbeat despite Liverpool loss to Napoli on Tuesday night

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Jamie Carragher remained upbeat on Twitter despite Liverpool suffering a 2-0 defeat to Napoli in their first chance to defend the Champions League trophy – reminding fans that something similar happened last season.

A somewhat equal game finally saw its deadlock broken in the 82nd minute as Dries Mertens squeezed the ball past Adrian, who was sensational throughout the Group E encounter. The penalty was very controversial, though.

The referee pointed to the spot after Jose Callejon went down under the challenge of Andy Robertson, but the Spanish veteran had already gone to ground before contact was made with the Scotland captain.

A mistake from Virgil van Dijk saw former Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City striker Fernando Llorente make it two in injury time, but Carragher remains optimistic – praising Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Adrian.

He also reminded fans that Liverpool lost to Napoli before going on to win the Champions League last term.

TBR’s view – Liverpool must not panic, but pressure is on

The Champions League group stages are cut throat. More than one defeat and the chances are you might be struggling to qualify for the knockout rounds. But Liverpool do not need to panic – just yet.

Fans must remember that Liverpool have been handed a favourable group, with RedBull Salzburg and Genk alongside Liverpool and Napoli in Group E. The pressure has ramped up, but Liverpool still have it under their control.