messi2140
6racies Xavi
Because Liverpool has had nothing to show for in the past 12 seasons other than a single League Cup (Mickey Mouse Cup) win 6 years ago where they barely defeated Cardiff on penalties. I know that this is the past and not really relevant to point out but we are not talking about RM, Atlético, Juve, Bayern etc. here who have shown much, much more in recent years at the highest level domestically and on the European scene.
Other than a rather lucky CL run last year (City should have kicked them out) and being schooled by RM in the final, while barely ending fourth in the domestic league, and a good start in the league (where City and Liverpool are far ahead of all their opponents, not saying much, as most English teams are significantly worse than their Spanish counterparts) 16 games into the season, they have showed nothing to be considered as favorites against a juggernaut like Barça. I don't think that they would be favorites against us (we have a far superior squad) and I am quite sure that the bookies will agree should we draw them.
I am not saying that they cannot defeat us but the respect that some of the users give them is absurd. It's like Barça was Bournemouth or something. We are talking about a team that lost to QSG, Napoli and Crvena Zvezda. That barely qualified. They were a miss from Milik away from playing in the Europa League. Yes, I do know that Liverpool had chances of their own as well but if you can't score on them it's your own fault.
I understand that Liverpool is the favorite choice of hipsters nowadays (I have nothing against Liverpool personally) and that people like their playing style (I do as well by large compared to your average English team) and that they find Klopp entertaining (I do too and rather like him as well) but come on.
If RM's defense can deal with Liverpool (rather easily) as well as all their opponents in this years CL, what makes you think that they will score 3-4 goals against us away from home? That's an absurd claim with all due respect. I know that this Roma game is in the back of our heads (mine too) but that was a freak result that we will likely not see in the next 10 years or more.
So it is not a case of me not rating Liverpool at all but a case of people vastly overrating them IMO. Look at their defence (other than Van Djiik which world class defender do they have) and most importantly their midfield. Does not exactly scream of world class but it works in the PL and barely worked in the CL this season so far.
For me the 3 major reasons why I want this Barcelona to avoid Liverpool is :
1) Valverde inevitably fielding a Arthur-Busi-Rakitic midfield that is just begging to be overrun (+ him playing them every game)
2) Liverpool while being very underwhelming this season are slowly regaining their form and especially Salah , he was amazing against Napoli.
3) 4 QF exits and a 7-0 thrashing from Bayern in the last 6 years just doesn't instill confidence in me.
I mean ofc a Barca and especially Messi on point can defeat any team , but I would honesly prefer if Barca just avoids any good teams for now.