EXCLUSIVE: As Arne Slot continues to plot Liverpool’s recovery in a troubled campaign, one former Red has offered a more positive outlook on the current crop’s hopes for this season
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
22:21, 06 Feb 2026
Arne Slot has been given a positive omen by a former Liverpool star(Image: AFP or licensors)
Former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden believes Anfield alone gives Arne Slot’s side a chance of winning the Champions League.
It has been a turbulent second campaign for Slot, but the Reds’ display in the league phase of the iconic competition was pleasing. Despite the humiliating 4-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Liverpool comfortably booked their place in the last-16 by finishing third in the first phase.
It’s a stark contrast to his side’s arduous Premier League title defence, which currently sees his Liverpool team trail Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and table-toppers Arsenal. However, no matter how inconsistent the domestic form is, Zenden believes the Anfield crowd always gives the Reds a chance in the Champions League.
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In an exclusive interview with the Liverpool Echo, speaking at bet365’s celebration of their UEFA Champions League Big Ticket Giveaway, Zenden said: “The thing obviously with Liverpool is that the European competition is always something special.
“It seems like it always triggers something with the fans and with the players and the whole vibe around the club when playing in Europe is something special. That could just put them in a position where they can actually go all the way.
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“They’ve been there and done it before. They’ve won a few of those Champions League trophies, so they know what it’s like to get all the way. But it’s never easy. It’s never easy.”
Last season, the Reds topped the Champions League table phase, only to be knocked out on penalties by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Slot could not believe it when Liverpool draw PSG in the round of 16 last year(Image: 2025 DeFodi Images)
Slot cursed his side’s misfortune to draw the French heavyweights at the time, who struggled their way into the play-off places before overcoming Brest 10-0 on aggregate to go into the round of 16. It was a classic example of how the competition’s latest format can pitch two European titans together.
But if there is a risk of facing one of the favourites, there remains the possibility of getting a kind run in the competition. With this in mind, Zenden suggested any ill performances domestically could inject more motivation and hunger into the Champions League.
The Dutchman, who made 47 appearances for Liverpool, said: “For all the teams, these draws are very important to see how far you can get into the tournament.
Ekitike scored a brace as Liverpool beat Newcastle United 4-1 in their last Premier League match(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
“Another problem obviously with Liverpool is that they’ve done really well in the Champions League, but within the Premier League they’ve trailed a bit at the minute.
“But on the other hand, that could also mean that, maybe because of all the things that have happened this season already, it’s an extra motivation to do well when the European competition is there.”
Liverpool face a long wait to see who awaits them in the first round of the knockout stages, due to the Champions League play-offs not being completed until February 25.
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