Emre Can: Champions League giants don’t want to draw Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s side will be in pot three when the draw takes place in Monaco at 5pm UK time, and could face a group containing Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Celtic.

European champions Real Madrid and Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund are among the other potential opponents for Klopp, whose side beat Hoffenheim 4-2 on Wednesday to secure a 6-3 aggregate win in their play-off tie.

Midfielder Can overcame a virus to score twice in the second-leg victory at Anfield, and is adamant that Liverpool have nothing to fear.

He said: “Of course the big teams will want to avoid Liverpool. Everyone knows we are a very strong side. They will have seen what we did against Hoffenheim.

“I don’t have any preference. We know that we will play against big teams but I don’t care who we get.”

Liverpool’s attacking talent was on top form against Hoffenheim, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino both scoring, and Sadio Mane outstanding.

Senegal forward Mane has scored in each of Liverpool’s opening two Premier League matches, having recovered from the knee injury sustained in April that ended last season early for him.

“Sadio is a world-class player,” Can said. “He has so many qualities. He’s a very strong player, he’s a very quick player, he’s always scoring goals and creating chances for the team. He’s also a really good guy.

“His performance against Hoffenheim was brilliant. I am very happy to have him as a team-mate.

“You could say he’s made a big step forward during his time here.”


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