Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that, should they get past Basel tonight, Liverpool players could start dreaming of a repeat of their legendary 2005 Champions League run.
The similarities between Liverpool’s European campaign this season does draw some similarities with their Champions League run of a decade ago in that Liverpool go into the match with Basel needing a win to qualify for the knockout stages, just as they needed three points against Olympiacos 10 years ago.
Also, it was at about this stage in 2004 that questions around captain Steven Gerrard’s future at Anfield cropped up – just as they are now with the delay in his signing of a new deal.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers thinks that stranger things have happened than a potential Liverpool challenge for the highest honour in European competition.
He said: “Once you get through the group stage anything can happen. That is the key for me.”
“I know come February, when it starts again, we will be a better team because of the players we’ll have available if we manage to get through. That is what I am looking forward to.
“We have seen that the best team doesn’t always win the competition. You can get a good draw, a bit of luck and, as I’ve said, we will have a good side that can do well come February I am sure.”
Under-pressure Rodgers has dismissed the awkwardness of potential Thursday night football, should Liverpool end up playing in the Europa league.
“I’m not even thinking about that,” said Rodgers.
“That’s a consequence of what happens. It’s not the competition you want to be in, but the only focus is winning this game. I haven’t given that one second thought.
“A win would give the players a huge amount of confidence, having not consistently played that well all season, the key tomorrow is to get a big win. It may not come with a big performance but the main objective is the win.
“Get that and we’ve seen over the years that qualification gives you confidence. We can then park it until February and concentrate on the league. We have had big performances in my time and want to deliver another to give us that platform.”
