Arne Slot gives telling verdict on Liverpool's Champions League draw
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Arne Slot said that Liverpool has been handed a "very challenging draw" in the Champions League after the Reds were pitted against the most successful side in the competition's history — Real Madrid — as well as last season's finalist — Inter Milan.
The Reds will also face Atletico Madrid, Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, Marseille, Qarabag and Galatasaray as they battle to make it into the last 16 of the competition.
The game against Real Madrid will see the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Anfield, where he will most certainly face a frosty reception following his controversial departure at the end of last season.
Liverpool won seven of its eight league-phase games last season, only losing the eighth when Slot fielded an inexperienced side in an effective dead rubber against PSV Eindhoven on gameday eight.
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A game against PSV is once more on the agenda, and Slot named that assignment as one that he is looking forward to.
"I think the first thing to say is that like last season, it is a very challenging draw," Slot said.
"But we knew that it would be because in the Champions League, especially with the new format, there is no such thing as an easy draw.
"But what is also clear is that this is a very exciting draw, full of big games both home and away.
"To be able to welcome Real Madrid to Anfield again is something special
Last season's game was of course a memorable one – and I expect the same this time around
Liverpool beat Real Madrid in a memorable game at Anfield last season
The same goes for Galatasaray, who have won three in a row in Turkey, and for Qarabag, the champions of Azerbaijan.
"And to also play against sides of the calibre of Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille shows the strength of this competition.
"None of our league-phase games will be straightforward, that is clear, but I am sure our supporters will be looking forward to all of the Anfield games and to all of the away fixtures, which will all be played in big stadiums with fanatical and passionate fans.
"They will be excited and so are we