Liverpool can set up more Champions League glory by winning Basel shoot-out says Brendan Rodgers
Kop boss reckons the 5 times European Cup holders will be a handful in the knockout phase if they can just roll over the Swiss in group finale
Reuters
Brendan Rodgers has urged Liverpool: Get through your day of Champions League destiny, and you can dare to dream.
The Reds' boss openly admits his side haven't been good enough in Europe so far this season, and miles off the level holders Real Madrid have shown in proving themselves the best in the world by blowing the rest of Group B away.
But victory over visitors Basel on Tuesday in a straight winner-takes-all shoot-out will put them through to the knockout stages... and their manager is adamant anything can happen then because his side will be transformed by the time that comes around next February.
"I know, come February, when it [the Champions League] starts again, absolutely we will be a better team because of the players we'll have available if we manage to get through.
"When we restart we will be a better team and 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."
While Rodgers acknowledges his side have a long way to go to reach the level Madrid showed in taking the Reds apart at Anfield just six weeks ago, he knows the best side doesn't always win the Champions League.
And his message to the players is simple: if they are in the hat for the knockout draw, then anything could happen on the road to the final in Berlin.
"That is the key for me. Once you get through the group stage anything can happen. You have to keep in the competition, and give yourself a chance.
"And that is what we have done so far.
"We haven't played well at times, but the beauty is that, without being fantastic this season, we still have chance to qualify, we're still in this position, and still have the ability to do that."
The Reds' boss openly admits his side haven't been good enough in Europe so far this season, and miles off the level holders Real Madrid have shown in proving themselves the best in the world by blowing the rest of Group B away.
But victory over visitors Basel on Tuesday in a straight winner-takes-all shoot-out will put them through to the knockout stages... and their manager is adamant anything can happen then because his side will be transformed by the time that comes around next February.
"I know, come February, when it [the Champions League] starts again, absolutely we will be a better team because of the players we'll have available if we manage to get through.
"When we restart we will be a better team and 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."
Group B as it stands
| P | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
| Real Madrid | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 15 |
| Basel | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -1 | 6 |
| Liverpool | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | 4 |
| Ludogorets | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 |
While Rodgers acknowledges his side have a long way to go to reach the level Madrid showed in taking the Reds apart at Anfield just six weeks ago, he knows the best side doesn't always win the Champions League.
And his message to the players is simple: if they are in the hat for the knockout draw, then anything could happen on the road to the final in Berlin.
"That is the key for me. Once you get through the group stage anything can happen. You have to keep in the competition, and give yourself a chance.
"And that is what we have done so far.
"We haven't played well at times, but the beauty is that, without being fantastic this season, we still have chance to qualify, we're still in this position, and still have the ability to do that."
Will Liverpool beat Basel?
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