Liverpool 'well-equipped' to make UEFA Champions League run but Arne Slot needs Mohamed Salah 'firing', says Peter Crouch

The UEFA Champions League league phase draws to a close with Liverpool hosting Qarabag on Wednesday night looking to secure their place in the top eight and advance to the round of 16. Given their inconsistent form at home and stuttering Premier League title defence, head coach Arne Slot may throw all his eggs in the European basket, according to former Reds centre-forward Peter Crouch.

Liverpool could be "well-equipped" to put aside their indifferent league form and make a run at the UEFA Champions League this season, according to Peter Crouch.

Last season’s Premier League champions have struggled to defend their crown this time around and following defeat at Bournemouth in their most recent match, find themselves in sixth place and 14 points off the summit with 15 matches to play.

But with the title seemingly now out of reach for Arne Slot’s side, Crouch believes attention could turn to European success as others, including Liverpool themselves, have done in the past.

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"I think quite often you know the best team maybe in certain leagues doesn't always win the Champions League," he told TNT Sports. "It's so hard to win the league and the Champions League, as has been proven over the course of time.

"Look at Spurs last year, and Manchester United, really woeful in the Premier League but end up in a European final.

"Liverpool have had an inconsistent time in the Premier League, but you know quite often you can throw all your eggs in the Champions League basket.

"Someone like Liverpool will be well-equipped to do it. They've done it before."

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Crouch was part of the Liverpool side to reach the Champions League final in 2007 despite finishing third in the league, some 21 points behind champions Manchester United.

Although they were beaten by Milan in the showpiece match in Athens, the former striker remembers a switch in mindset was the driver to chasing success in Europe.

"You’re just kind of more relaxed in the Premier League," he admitted. "You know you're not right in the hunt for the Premier League.

"Yeah, of course, you've got to finish in the top four at a club like Liverpool always, but yeah, I can see a club like Liverpool going for it.

"Do I think they will? They'll probably just fall short, maybe.

"I think I look at Munich, Arsenal, PSG, there's still some top teams in there. It’s very difficult to do but they’ve got as good a chance as any."

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Video credit: SNTV

Ahead of their final match of the league phase when they take on Qarabag at Anfield, live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+, The Reds sit fourth in the table.

Three points will confirm a top-eight finish, meaning direct passage to the round of 16 and avoiding the play-offs.

Slot’s side have won five of their seven fixtures so far in the competition and boosted their credentials with an impressive 3-0 win away at Marseille in their last European outing.

"I thought they played really well," said Crouch of the performance in France. "There's been certainly some frailties I think this season, but I thought they were clinical.

"I thought they looked solid. They weren't really in any real danger, it felt like a real good performance."

Returning Salah looks 'off the pace'

Liverpool also welcomed back Mohamed Salah in the Stade Velodrome victory after the Egyptian was representing his country at the African Cup of Nations in December and January.

Before his departure, however, the forward made headlines because of an explosive interview in which he hit out at the club and accused them of "throwing him under the bus

Although Salah seemingly made his peace before setting off, the impact of his outburst, as well as a season of indifferent form, means his future remains the subject of speculation.

"It's not a great situation, let’s be honest," Crouch added. "He came back obviously in the European game, started [but] looked a little bit off the pace.

"His finishing wasn't up to his usual standard.  

"If Liverpool are going to be successful, certainly in the Champions League, they need him firing. And at the moment that's not been the case."

How to watch Liverpool v Qarabag

Liverpool v Qarabag will be live on TNT Sports 2 and discovery+.

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