Watford coach Claudio Ranieri praises Jurgen Klopp, but insists Inter can beat Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16.
The Nerazzurri were paired with the Reds in yesterday’s controversial Champions League Round of 16 redraw.
Inter had got Ajax in the first draw, but were way more unlucky in the second one.
“It will be a nice game and the result is not obvious,” Ranieri told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Liverpool are really strong, but you can see Inzaghi’s hands at Inter. He has inherited a winning team from [Antonio] Conte and it was legitimate to have some doubts after Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi’s sales, but Inter go really fast now.”
So, what do they need to beat the Reds?
“Liverpool and Manchester City are the best teams in England even if Chelsea are on the same level,” said Ranieri.
“First of all, they must face both games with determination and without inferiority complex. Never take anything for granted in football.
“Second, they must limit errors. Mistakes can be crucial in Champions League, especially against big clubs. There are moments on the pitch when you have positive or negative feelings, so you have to listen to them and act accordingly.
“There is a perfect chemistry between Klopp and the City of Liverpool. He is a good, smart man, a very nice person. Jurgen is the ideal coach for a top club with a great fanbase.
“However, if you let the Anfield atmosphere get to you, you won’t go far,” said Ranieri.
“It’s important for Liverpool, the support from their fans is incredible.”
Liverpool have just returned from Milan where they beat Milan 2-1, eliminating the Rossoneri despite rotating their squad massively.
“I was not surprised,” the Italian coach added. “Liverpool can rely on two teams, that’s one reason why Premier League clubs are superior, they can field two competitive teams each.”
Inter and Liverpool will meet at San Siro for the first leg on February 16.
The return leg is at Anfield Road on March 8.
Inter are the Serie A table leaders with 40 points in 17 matches. They have the best attacking record in Serie A 43 goals scored so far this season.