Arne Slot reveals Champions League rule change he would make after Liverpool frustration

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Arne Slot(Image: (Molly Darlington/Getty Images))

Arne Slot has revealed he would like to see changes made to the Champions League format as Liverpool prepare to face Atletico Madrid.

The Reds begin their quest to win a seventh European Cup when they face Spanish giants at Anfield tomorrow night.

Slot’s side, who are the reigning Premier League champions, were knocked out of last season's competition by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.



Liverpool were drawn against the Ligue 1 giants despite the fact they finished top of the new group stage format.

And asked about last season’s draw, Slot admitted: "It is not a smart thing to judge something on one event because then it is of no interest if you end up number one, seven or eight because we had a very difficult draw.

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"What I don't like about this format is everywhere [else] you have a league table and play-offs, you have a league table after everyone playing the same teams, so if you end up number one, then probably the number eight is weaker than the number five.

"This league table doesn't give the real opinion about who is good and who isn't, so it can happen like last season, where the number 11, Real Madrid, played the number 22, Man City.

"If you ask me this question immediately after we lost to Paris St Germain, I would say, 'Forget about the first eight games,' but now I use my brains more and I tell you, 'Don't judge a new format on the first time, judge it after three or four times and let's see.'"

Reflecting on last season’s penalty shootout defeat to PSG, Slot said: "We were so close.

Luis Enrique said the team that wins that game would win the competition and he was right.

"We were the only team that took them to penalties.

Liverpool will always be able to compete in the Champions League."

WELCOME to the second edition of Blood Red – your new monthly publication from the ECHO covering everything you need to know about what’s happening at Liverpool FC.

This month, our focus is on Europe as Liverpool's Champions League campaign kicks off with the Reds looking to bring home European Cup number 7.

As well as a pull-out fixtures guide to the group phase, we profile every other club in the competition.

Our writers cover Arne Slot’s side all season long, home, away and abroad, seven days a week, and this special second edition of Blood Red is full of their in-depth features, analysis and comment.

There's also an interview with Voice of Anfield George Sephton who looks back at his time at the club, we review the big tactical talking points of the season's opening games, and we preview the next month of action as the Champions combine their bid to defend their Premier League crown with the start of their mission for Champions League glory.

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Atletico have only won one of their opening four La Liga games so far this season, but Slot knows that side are in for a tough game.

"When I was at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, we knew when you went from a Sunday to a Wednesday, you had to make two steps up unless you played Ajax or PSV on the weekend," he said.

"But in the Premier League, it is the same quality or a little step up, so again, a very difficult one because Atletico Madrid have done so well in La Liga.

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"So many years with Diego Simeone and even able to win the league twice when you face Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"Again, a team that is a difficult one to play against because of their mentality, team performance and quality."