After Napoli were drawn against Liverpool in the Champions League group stage, Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the Reds as one of the favourites for the trophy.
The Italian coach took charge of Napoli this summer, succeeding the outgoing Maurizio Sarri, who moved to Chelsea in the Premier League. He will now face a difficult examination in the early stages of this years European Cup, with his side pitted against Liverpool, PSG and Red Star Belgrade in Group C.
During his time as manager of AC Milan, Ancelotti enjoyed two fierce Champions League final battles against the Red’s, famously losing in Istanbul but guiding the Rossoneri to redemption two years later in Athens.
SEE ALSO: Champions League Draw: Liverpool, Spurs and Man United placed in nightmare groups
Photo: Sergio Ramos sitting behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah at Champions League draw
Real Madrid star’s transfer DEMAND puts Chelsea, Arsenal & Liverpool on red alert
Now he will once again try to mastermind the Merseyside club’s downfall, but according to Sky Sports, he is already very much aware of the threat that Jurgen Klopp’s men pose to his side, whilst also referring to PSG as potential winners.
“It’s a very difficult group,” Ancelotti told Sky Sports. “We play against two candidates to win the Champions League, but I am convinced that it will be difficult for them to play against Napoli.”
The Italian giants were dumped out in the group stage of last seasons competition after being beaten home and away by Manchester City, which will no doubt make them even more determined to progress to the knockout phase this time around.
Liverpool meanwhile reached the final last year only to be beaten by Real Madrid and supporters will hope that they can go one better to lift the trophy for the 6th time in their history come May.