Claudio Ranieri believes that Liverpool and Chelsea are the favourites to win the Champions League this season and explains why Ivan Perisic could play a key role in tonight’s match between Inter and the Reds.
The Italian tactician previewed tonight’s Champions League meeting between Simone Inzaghi’s side and Liverpool in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
It kicks off at 20.00 UK time at the Stadio Meazza in Milan.
“Inter have 50% chances to qualify,” the former Sampdoria coach said.
“The Nerazzurri have the experience and the tactical quality to cope with Liverpool’s pressing, the secret would be to move the ball quickly, trying to give the ball to Dzeko, Lautaro or Sanchez as quickly as possible.
“There are many players who could hurt Liverpool but I pick Ivan Perisic because he could be the right man to attack Trent Alexander-Arnold, who pushes forward as he was a winger. I also add Marcelo Brozovic, who could give the right tempo to Inter’s attacks.”
However, Ranieri believes that Liverpool are one of the worst opponents Inter could meet in the competition as he considers the Reds among the favourite to win the Champions League.
“Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are three top teams,” he said, “and one between Real Madrid and Manchester City will be eliminated.
“I know Jurgen very well, once I was invited to watch his training sessions. He is a very nice and funny person, I really like him,” Ranieri concluded.
Ranieri was sacked by Watford after 14 games in charge this season. He left Sampdoria in the summer after a two-year spell at the club where he had won 26 of his 71 games in charge.
Ranieri is one of the most experienced Italian coaches. His most significant achievement is undoubtedly the Premier League triumph with Leicester City in 2016.
Ranieri: "L'Inter croata può far male al Liverpool" #Champions https://t.co/ZD8gsUFcid
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) February 15, 2022
Just let Liverpool win and concrete on serie A. Italian teams have no chance in UCL