--- title: "Detailed preview of Liverpool’s three Champions League opponents" canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/detailed-preview-of-liverpools-three-champions-league-opponents/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Mizgan Masani" section: "Articles" published: "2018-08-31T09:41:26Z" modified: "2018-08-31T09:41:26Z" --- # Detailed preview of Liverpool’s three Champions League opponents The Champions League group stage draw has now taken place and it produced some enticing ties to look forward to in almost every group. For Liverpool, it can’t get much tougher and more tempting than facing Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade home and away. For that reason itself, many are tipping this set of games to really set the Champions League alight. It most certainly is the “group of death.” Here’s everything you need to know about Liverpool’s upcoming opponents in Europe. ### Paris Saint-Germain The reigning French champions are a genuine force to reckon at the elite stage. Almost everyone predicted them to go very far in the tournament last year, but the eventual champions Real Madrid came their way in the last-16 stage itself. With the talent this team possesses, there is no doubt that the favourites tag is there for them to contend with this year. **Manager – Thomas Tuchel** Regarded as the next Jurgen Klopp in many senses, and his career path in coaching isn’t too dissimilar. Tuchel has been appointed this summer with an aim to win the Champions League. ![Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1007772506.jpg) So, the German will be looking to start well when his team travel to Anfield match-day 1, which is a mouth-watering clash to look forward to. **Key Player –  Kylian Mbappe** There’s an array of talent all over the pitch for PSG, but Kylian Mbappe is now a World Cup winner and he really is something special. No doubt the likes of Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Marco Verratti, etc are breathtaking to watch, however, Mbappe has really taken it on to another degree since his level of performances in Russia. ![Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1006158902.jpg) For the Parisians, signing Gianluigi Buffon will prove very useful, especially in tight games where experience required will be gold. The Juventus legend hasn’t yet won a winners medal in this competition, so he will be determined as ever, to finally claim this elusive trophy shying away from his illustrious cabinet. **Stadium – Parc des Princes** A Stadium with a capacity of over 47,000 people which creates a rapturous environment for away teams to come into. ### Napoli The runners-up in the Serie A last season, which shouldn’t be discounted given the dominance Juventus have had over the past few years in Italy. Napoli are renowned to play an attractive brand of football which surely allures the attention of Europe. **Manager – Carlo Ancelotti** An experienced manager who has won several European and league titles in his managerial career thus far. Ancelotti is a type of boss who can make his team play in different ways, according to the strengths of the opposition. ![Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1025708644.jpg) This makes it a frightening prospect for other teams in the group, who won’t have an idea as to how Napoli will set up on the given match-day until the game starts. So, it won’t be easy for a manager to prepare games beforehand. **Key Player – Marek Hamsik** Hamsik has been a talisman at the club scoring a record number of goals and being a key figure in midfield. The Slovakian is one of those controlling type midfield players who channels the whole build-up of the team and provides the golden touch to make things tough for the opposition defenders. ![Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1025708668.jpg) The front three love playing with Hamsik just behind, knowing that the 31-year-old is very well adept in picking out incisive through balls to open a defence up. There is one more guy who can really make things happen from nothing – Lorenzo Insigne. The Italian is a magic man in Napoli’s attack and he can make dangerous runs in behind and/or be a good linker of play from midfield. **Stadium – Stadio San Paolo** A stadium with a capacity of over 60,000 won’t be easy for any away team to go into. The atmosphere is a typical Italian one – full of passion. ### Red Star Belgrade The Serbian league champions, who came through the playoffs, will be relishing the prospect of playing Champions League football. They will be a tough team to break down, especially at home. Red Star have a very closely-knit squad, which will give its all to make it very awkward for the group’s big-hitters. In short, they are no pushovers, the reason why this group is as tough as it gets. **Manager – Vladan Milojevic** Milojevic didn’t have an elite career as a playr, but has been a decent manager in the past decade or so. He possesses the ability to make his teams punch above their weight and challenge for everything on the pitch. ![Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1020934286.jpg) The 48-year-old will make absolute sure that none of PSG, Napoli and Liverpool get an easy pass against his team. **Key Player – El Fardou Ben** The forward has been in terrific form this season, scoring six goals in eight Champions League qualifying games. This shows he has the propensity to net goals for the team. ![Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/readliverpoolfc/2018/08/1020947480.jpg) Dutch midfielder Lorenzo Ebecilio has joined the team and looks very comfortable on the ball. **Stadium – Rajko Mitic Stadium** A stadium which has undergone several renovations in the past few years, now holds the capacity of over 55,000. The fans create an enthusiastic atmosphere, which won’t be easy even for top teams to go into.