Toni Kroos makes Liverpool U-turn as Arne Slot's side dismissed in new prediction

Toni Kroos has witnessed enough of Liverpool's campaign this term to now dismiss it as a genuine contender for Champions League glory.

The Reds began with seven consecutive victories across all competitions, though they weren't particularly convincing as they depended on late winners in most matches. They subsequently suffered back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray before yet another loss at Chelsea on Saturday as Arne Slot's side endured a difficult patch.

Liverpool orchestrated a $606 million (£450M) transfer splurge during the summer window, acquiring 10 new signings and shattering the British transfer record on two occasions to secure Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

Such ambitious recruitment saw the defending Premier League title holders attract considerable support when pundits were predicting potential domestic and European victors before the campaign commenced.

Kroos had previously made such an assessment, naming the Reds amongst his quartet of favourites for Champions League success.

However, following Liverpool's underwhelming recent displays, the Real Madrid icon has chosen to reverse his earlier forecast.

"We had touched on it briefly once," he said on the Einfach mal Luppen podcast, as quoted by The Boot Room. "I had listed four: Real, Barca, Paris, and Liverpool.

"Those were the four teams I mentioned that I see as contenders to win the Champions League.

"I think you (his brother, Felix) had left Paris out, right? Honestly, I can't really imagine that.

"If so, then I'll bring them back in now. I'll bring them back in now, and I'd leave Liverpool out."

Kroos, during his tenure with Real Madrid, clinched five Champions League titles, triumphing over Liverpool in two finals in 2018 and 2022.

Liverpool.com says: It is a bit early to be completely writing Liverpool off, even after its recent poor performances. There's no doubt the Reds need to improve, but if things start to click for them, then they will surely be in the hunt for silverware this season - including the Champions League.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.

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