View from the opposition: Liverpool FC

I sat down to talk to Andy Heaton of the Anfield Wrap, the biggest independent LFC podcast, to get an idea of what Roma can expect…

What are your personal memories of watching Liverpool play Roma?

“Two games really, and unfortunately both of them not particularly great for Roma. The first was back in 2001 when Michael Owen scored a brace at the Stadio Olympic in the UEFA Cup when no one really gave us a chance.

“The other was a year later in 2002 at Anfield for a place in the Champions League quarter final, the result felt irrelevant, what marked the game was the return of Gerard Houllier who months earlier had collapsed at half-time following major heart trauma. What stuck out in that game was the grace of the Roma fans and Fabio Capello despite being on the end of a bad result.”

What do Liverpool fans think of Totti?

“I think Totti, alongside Steven Gerrard, is the last of his type in European football - a top class player who has remained true to roots and his heart and stayed with his love when at times it would have been easy to leave. His longevity, still playing for Roma almost a quarter of a century after his debut is a phenomenal achievement.”

Liverpool reached two finals last year and will be hoping to push on this season as Klopp takes charge of his first full season. How have the side looked during their pre-season?

“Pre-season games for the most part are to be endured rather than enjoyed, especially under a manager like Jurgen Klopp for whom the training ground is sacrosanct. Saying that, we’ve looked more organised despite not being as sharp as we should, but maybe that is down to the building of fitness over sharpness, who knows? This will be Klopp’s first pre-season as Liverpool manager and he’ll be desperate to stamp his authority.”

Liverpool have played in the ICC this summer. Do you think that playing high quality teams from abroad helps to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season?

“I think maybe the players take the game more importantly than maybe the managers for whom it is, or at least should be, an opportunity to try a few new ideas. Although it does give the benefit of giving the younger players experience of what it feels like to be part of a successful team with a heavy travel schedule and playing in front of big crowds.”

Who will Liverpool’s danger men be in the game?

“It depends on who starts. I’m expecting big things of Daniel Sturridge this year who finally seems to have shaken off a few years of bad injuries because on his day he is as good as any striker in Europe.

"Coutinho is also a great player and looks to have been working on his strength and size. Since joining from Inter, he has improved every year and this could be the season where he steps up a few levels and adds consistency to his game.”

If you could add one player from Roma, who and why?

“It’s an interesting question, you look at the Roma squad and it has quality – Kevin Strootman and Stephan El Shaarawy to name but two but if I could take one from Roma it would be Radja Nainggolan.”

Tactically, what set up do you expect?

“We interviewed the manager on The Anfield Wrap the other day and he was saying that even though he’s played 4-3-3 all pre-season, it’s no guarantee that is what he will go with in the season, so who knows?”

What’s your final score prediction?

“Liverpool 2-1 Roma.”

Follow @TheAnfieldWrap, @Andrew_Heaton and @james_gooderson on Twitter.