Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti expects last season’s Champions League runner-up Liverpool to present a different type of challenge when the two clash in this season’s opener in the European competition on Tuesday.
The French champions set a new club record after thumping Saint Etienne 4-0 in the domestic League at Parc Des Princes on Friday, with new coach Thomas Tuchel becoming the first manager to win all of his opening six competitive games at the club. The previous record was held by Italian Carlo Ancelotti, who led to PSG to five consecutive victories in his opening five games in 2011.
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Their form will, however, be tested at Anfield against Liverpool, who after losing the last season’s Champions League final against Real Madrid will look to take one step into the title this time.
“Before Liverpool, it’s good as we won all our games, but Liverpool will be different,” said Verratti.
“They are a team who play very well at home. They have experience in the Champions League as they reached the final last season. It’s an important test for us, not decisive but it’s good to start with a complicated game,” he added.
Verratti himself though will not be available to face Liverpool in the opening match as he is serving a suspension for the red card he received in the last-16 defeat to Real Madrid last season.
Apart from Liverpool and PSG, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade complete Group C.