Former Reds goalkeeper David James has issued a defiant message to the doubters, making the startling prediction that Arne Slot’s inconsistent side will defy the odds to lift the Champions League trophy this season.
Liverpool still have to overcome the fierce test of Galatasaray on their own patch to stand a chance at lifting the prestigious honours, with the Reds one goal down after a sobering first leg defeat in Istanbul.
The Merseyside giants have lifted the Champions League honours a bumper six times across their illustrious history, with 2019 seeing Liverpool lift the Champions League, before then going to claim the Premier League in 2020, during the peak of Jurgen Klopp’s celebrated reign.
Arne Slot may yet secure a remarkable “double whammy” of major honours. Having guided Liverpool to the Premier League title during a dream debut season at Anfield, the Dutchman is now being tipped to conquer Europe.
A Champions League triumph would serve as a powerful olive branch to a disgruntled fanbase. At the time of writing, Liverpool find themselves languishing in a disappointing fifth place, a position that has led to growing scrutiny regarding Slot’s leadership.
Despite sporadic calls for a managerial change, former Reds goalkeeper David James remains steadfast in his optimism. He believes the club’s storied European pedigree will prevail, tipping the side to add yet another Champions League trophy to their decorated cabinet.
James outrageous prediction for Liverpool
The 53-time England international wouldn’t quite claim any distinguished silverware when he was regularly in between the sticks at Liverpool, with a League Cup all he managed to pick up during 277 games as the Reds’ main keeper.
Still, the experienced ‘keeper – who made 13 UEFA Cup appearances for Liverpool – is backing Slot to silence some of his vocal critics and guide the underperforming Reds to an unexpected Champions League trophy.
He said, when speaking on BBC Five Live, that the season would surely be deemed a success if the unthinkable was pulled off: “Liverpool would love to qualify in the league positions, but they need to win a trophy.
I feel they need to or want to win the trophy, more than they want to focus on finishing in fifth.
And this side, with the game against Galatasaray, have an opportunity to get through to the next round and have an opportunity to win the Champions League.
Win the Champions League or FA Cup, and Liverpool fans will think this is a good season, which I agree.”
It does feel somewhat unrealistic that Liverpool will be able to hold their nerve and go all the way, considering Slot and Co. have racked up a dire 13 defeats this season.
But, knockout football is very different from the bread and butter of league action, and when the Reds secured the Champions League under Rafa Benitez in 2005, their domestic season wasn’t going entirely to plan.
2004/05 Premier League Stats for Liverpool:
| Metric | Detail |
| Final position | 5th |
| Points | 58 |
| Record | 17 wins, 7 draws, 14 losses |
The parallels between Slot’s current side and the legendary 2005 squad are striking. During the season of that historic comeback against AC Milan, Liverpool similarly faltered domestically, ultimately finishing fifth in the league standings.
As history threatens to repeat itself, David James suggests that the Reds’ current volatility might actually be their greatest asset. Given Liverpool’s penchant for the unpredictable this campaign, James believes another improbable European triumph is well within the realm of possibility.
