Thierry Henry has claimed that clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid ‘understand’ how to get the job done in the Champions League because it’s in their DNA, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (12/04/22 at 10:45 pm).
It was pointed out to Henry by Jamie Carragher that teams like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, even if they have better squads than the likes of Real Madrid or Liverpool, they don’t have ‘the history to fall back on’.
That’s something that both Real Madrid and Liverpool have in abundance because they have a staggering 19 European Cup/Champions League trophies between them, whereas the above two have zero.
Many people talk about Anfield on European nights and how Liverpool will feel they can overcome anything and anybody in any situation – cite back to their stunning comeback against Barcelona.
Then there is Real Madrid, the most historic club in the competition, who got knocked out by the recently-dumped out holders, Chelsea, last season.
Madrid didn’t play at the Bernabéu last season, but they did last night, which resulted in them progressing into the last four ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s men.
That was pointed out by Henry when Carragher asked him about the historic clubs, even if they aren’t deemed good enough, still having that edge over others because of what they have done in the past.
“Over the last few years, two of the best teams we have seen in the Champions League, certainly Manchester City,” said Carragher. “Paris Saint-Germain have so much money, they don’t have that history to fall back on.
“Do you think that’s something that does stop them and helps teams like Real Madrid or Liverpool, in the past, who haven’t been one of the best teams in Europe? But they will find a way to get to a final because of that history.”
Henry responded: “You played at Liverpool, Man United (points at Peter Schmeichel), less now. But, the stadium, the history. It does things to you.
“That’s why Liverpool back in the day and even now, when the cup comes and the games are under the light at Anfield, the Bernabéu, they understand those moments. They will make it happen. Chelsea beat them (Real Madrid) last year, but not at the Bernabéu.”
Well, Liverpool will entertain their fans under the Anfield lights tonight as Portuguese underdogs, Benfica, aim to cause a Champions League upset.
The Reds should see this one though because they have a two-goal cushion from the first leg.
Say it quietly, but Jurgen Klopp can even probably afford to rest some of his star players because of the club’s gruelling fixture list.
After their 2-2 draw against Man City in the Premier League on Sunday, the duo are set to meet once again on Saturday in the FA Cup semi-final.
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