Liverpool will face Napoli, RB Salzburg and Genk in Group E of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League group stages.
Jurgen Klopp’s reigning champions will be looking to retain their crown as kings of Europe. The group stage draw in Monaco marks the start of another exciting journey for the Reds as they look to defend their title.
With some of last season’s Champions League memories written into Liverpool folklore, fans will be starting to get excited about the 2019/20 campaign. Any memories created this season that come close to the final in Madrid or the 4-0 win against Barcelona will be truly extraordinary.
As the reigning champions, the Reds were placed in pot one, meaning they could not draw the likes of Barcelona, PSG or Bayern Munich.
However, the Reds could have faced a tricky group including Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and RB Leipzig. Alternatively, a much easier group including Shakhtar Donetsk, Club Brugge and Slavia Prague was possible.
With both those possibilities present, Klopp’s side will be happy with the group of Napoli, Salzburg and Genk.
The draw sees the Reds’ most challenging tie against last season’s group stage opponents, Napoli. Liverpool lost the away fixture to Napoli last term, and they will be looking to make up for it this time around.
Fixtures against Salzburg and Genk will prove much more favourable for the Reds as they look to reach the round of 16.
Matchday 1 will take place on 17-18 September with the final being played in Turkey on May 30.
Here are some of the very best reactions to the group stage draw from Liverpool fans…
Twitter: @LFC Being professional obviously, this group on paper gives us a great chance to qualify early & being able to man… https://t.co/OtAxe1QScv (@crouchy7ryan)
Twitter: @LFC @sscnapoli @RedBullSalzburg @KRCGenkofficial Hahahhaha Yes boys!!!
Number 7 coming home!!!
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Twitter: @LFC @sscnapoli That Alisson save against them last year
(@lfcnine)
Twitter: @LFC Announce number 7 (@callumokayy)
Twitter: Most common letter in “SEVEN TIMES” is “E”…
Liverpool’s Champions League group… E
#JustSayin #LFC #UCLdraw… https://t.co/EA1Trpt9hi (@SamanthaQuek)
Read Liverpool verdict
There’s a reason why Liverpool are the reigning champions of Europe – quite simply put, they are the best around. So, they shouldn’t fear any opponents that they come up against.
The draw for Klopp and his men proves rather straightforward and is also an opportunity to make up for last season’s loss in Naples.
While it would have been preferable to draw an easier opponent than Napoli, it may be useful to face challenging European opponents. Last season’s tough group gave Liverpool the test they needed before eventually reaching the final and winning the tournament.
Therefore, the draw signifies a group that shouldn’t interfere too much with Premier League responsibilities, but not so easy that they don’t take it seriously.
One thing is for sure: Liverpool will be looking to get through the group stages unscathed as they look to retain their European crown.
