Liverpool are now the only unbeaten side in this season’s Champions League and Alan Shearer believes Arne Slot’s team could have a big say on where the European Cup goes this season
Alan Shearer has said there is “no doubt” in his mind that Liverpool are genuine challengers to win the Champions League this season. Arne Slot’s maiden European Cup campaign with the Reds reached new heights on Tuesday night as they thrashed Xabi Alonso’s formidable Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield.A hat-trick from Luis Diaz and a fierce header from Cody Gakpo saw Liverpool keep their place at the top of the competition’s new-look league phase with four wins out of four.
With Liverpool also top of the Premier League following their comeback win over Brighton last weekend, fans and pundits alike are starting to believe Slot’s side can challenge for major honours this season. Former Newcastle striker Shearer was on co-commentary for Liverpool’s destruction of the Germans, and he believes the power of Anfield has the ability to overcome any opponent that goes there.
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Despite a lacklustre first-half where Liverpool struggled to break down the Bundesliga outfit, the sheer noise of Anfield sparked the Reds into action in the second-half. Speaking on The Rest is Football with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, the ex-England forward was effusive in his praise for Liverpool’s performance against Alonso’s side.
“I was the core comms for the Liverpool game and contrasting halves, very different halves. It was very flat in the first half. But oh my word, the second half was incredible. Liverpool just battered them. Once they got that first goal, it was like they [Leverkusen] just didn’t have any answers. They just steamrolled them. The Kop, the whole of Anfield, it was absolutely rocking,” he said.
“And once that place gets going, you know, and the fans were great the second half because they sort of stuck with them, even though it was a little bit flat, they just started getting behind them after five minutes or so, and then they responded with a goal. And then it was like wave after wave after wave of attacks, and it was how many they were going to get. And it was just incredible to be there.”
The question of how Liverpool were going to deal with their Jurgen Klopp related hangover appears to have been answered by Slot and his guidance of the Reds since his arrival. However, Shearer believes not only do the Reds look defensively more sound under Slot but, despite their slower approach to the game, the Dutchman has already converted the Reds into serious title challengers.
“Liverpool were brilliant,” he continued. “They’re a slightly different team. I think their build up may be a little slower at times. You don’t see Trent going into the middle of the park so often, or he didn’t the other day, which makes them, I think, more solid at the back.“But with the forward options that they’ve got, you know, it’s like he took Nunez out of the team, brought Cody Gakpo in, who then put him straight down the middle, rather than out on the left side. Diaz was on the left side. [It] didn’t quite work in the first half, but because Leverkusen was stubborn. “Liverpool really couldn’t find a way around that. And then Liverpool then went man for man in the second half as well, and then it was just chance after chance. There’s no doubt in my mind, Liverpool are challengers for that competition, because anyone going to Anfield will have a really, really tough game.”
When pressed by Lineker on Slot’s impact, Shearer was equally complimentary. Praising everything from the former Feyenoord coach’s demeanour to his candour, the ex-Blackburn striker was left unequivocal that the Reds appear destined for big things under their new manager.
“He talks really well as well, Arne Slot, doesn’t he?,” Shearer said. “There’s nothing complicated about him. He’s got the confidence without being arrogant. The Klopp questions were always gonna be there, but the way he’s handled everything going into Anfield, I think he’s been so impressive, as has his team.
“They’re not going to go away, Liverpool, and they’re one of the favourites for that competition. I really believe that. And for the Premier League.”
