Gary Lineker predicts how Liverpool would have done in the Champions League this season

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It has been odd for Liverpool supporters to see the Champions League knockout stages go on without them this week.

Having made the last-16 for the past six seasons, Reds fans had become used to seeing their team turning out on the biggest stage. But after finishing fifth last year, they’ve had to settle for Europa League this term.

In Liverpool’s absence, the Champions League suddenly looks a little less exciting this campaign. With clubs like Real Sociedad, FC Copenhagen and PSV Eindhoven emerging, the door feels more open than usual for the bigger sides.

Frankly, it doesn’t really look like anyone will be able to stop Manchester City from winning back-to-back titles. But speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker suggested that had they qualified, Liverpool might have done.

“I should mention that Liverpool are in the Europa League which I think would have been a side who would have a great chance in the Champions League if they had qualified,” said the pundit.

Liverpool watching from the side lines

It’s Liverpool’s own fault that they don’t have a shot at further Champions League glory this season.

In the year in which Jurgen Klopp has announced his decision to leave the club, that doesn’t feel right. Klopp’s time at the helm has been punctuated with incredible progress in Europe’s premier competition.

How good would it have been to see them have one last tilt at winning a second title under the German.

Instead, the Reds will simply have to go all out in the Europa League to make up for it. That is still the only trophy Klopp has entered into with Liverpool and not won.

So, in that respect there would be a nice symmetry to things if they could see the job through this time.

Nevertheless, you can’t help but feel that Liverpool are a stronger side than most of the last 16 teams left in the Champions League.

As well as City, Real Madrid are always there – as the Reds know all too well – and PSG will be a threat in Kylian Mbappe’s last months at the club.

Going well in Serie A, Inter Milan might fancy their chances of going one better than last season, while Atletico Madrid are always a threat, too. Maybe even Arsenal – having beaten City already – will feel they’ve got an outside shot.

In amongst that, Liverpool would surely be a standout candidate. Hopefully next year we will be again. But it just won’t quite be the same without Jurgen leading us there. All in on the Europa then, lads.