Liverpool legend Ray Houghton told Sky Sports News (06/04/21 at 1:25 pm) that he doesn’t think Jurgen Klopp will change his tactics after news emerged that Raphael Varane will miss tonight’s Champions League tie.
The Real Madrid centre-back has been ruled out of the heavyweight Champions League clash with Liverpool after testing positive for COVID.
It’s a body blow for Madrid because that means that both Sergio Ramos and Varane will be missing for tonight’s first leg, but Liverpool won’t sympathise given their own injury woes at the back.
Houghton reacted to the news regarding Varane and thinks it’s Zinedine Zidane who will be the one making late tactical changes rather than the Liverpool boss.
“Yes, I think they would be on that evidence (favourites now that Varane and Ramos are out),” said Houghton. “Certainly when you look at the form they showed against Arsenal with the front three. I thought they were excellent.
“But we mustn’t dismiss Real Madrid either. They are a very good side. Currently sitting second in La Liga. They have a great history in this competition.
On Klopp potentially changing his plan now Varane is out: “No, I don’t think so. I think if anyone is going to change their tactics tonight then it’s going to be Real Madrid.
“In recent weeks, they have even gone to a back three. Maybe they have one eye on this game and the way Liverpool play.”
That’s four big-name centre-backs missing tonight’s Champions League clash – Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ramos and now Varane.
On paper, many would think this just sets up an absolute goal-fest, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if there isn’t much in it tonight and it ends up becoming a tactical battle in the middle of the park.
Either way, Liverpool’s forwards should be licking their lips at the prospect of no Varane, but in truth, Real Madrid’s own forward line will enjoy coming up against the likes of Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
