Steve McManaman delivers instant reaction as Liverpool draw RB Leipzig

Add as preferred source on Google

Steve McManaman has told BT Sport (Monday, 11.30) that Liverpool should beat RB Leipzig after being drawn against Julian Nagelsmann’s side in the Champions League Round of 16 on Monday morning.

The Reds progressed into the knockout rounds of the competition after winning their group, with Italian side Atalanta also joining Liverpool in the round of 16. Ajax have been relegated to the Europa League, while FC Midtjylland finished in fourth.

Leipzig are highly-rated and boast players that are constantly linked with moves to the Premier League. The likes of Dayot Upamecano, Christopher Nkunku, Justin Kluivert and captain Marcel Sabitzer – but have lost Timo Werner to Chelsea.

Liverpool icon McManaman gave an instant reaction to Liverpool being drawn against Leipzig – with the two legs set to be played over the course of seven days in February. He thinks Liverpool will not be worried by Leipzig.

“They’ll all get through, Liverpool should beat Leipzig,” McManaman said. “We saw them [Leipzig] from the Manchester United games, it is a difficult tie but Liverpool should qualify. We know what leipzig can do, Angelino plays well. Whether they will be able to hold onto their players remains to be seen, but Liverpool shouldn’t be unduly worried.”

TBR’s view – Liverpool should be worried, more than McManaman says

Just look at their most recent match against Manchester United. At home, Leipzig are a threat and scored three excellent goals against United – even without star defender Upamecano. Last season, Leipzig completely outclassed Tottenham.

Over two legs, Sabitzer and co. beat Tottenham 4-0 on aggregate – again scoring three times at home. Liverpool have the players to beat Leipzig, but Leipzig can pose a threat to Klopp’s pursuit of the Champions League title.