Stan Collymore has predicted Liverpool to retain the Champions League trophy by beating Manchester City in the final in the upcoming season.
The former Reds player shared that he thought the smart money suggests Man City must win the Champions League sooner rather than later, but predicted them to only make the final of the 2019/20 tournament.
“The smart money says Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City must win the Champions League sooner rather than later – and they’re one of the three teams I can see doing it this season,” wrote Collymore in his column for The People (Page 57, Sunday, August 4th).
“Barcelona are another because you’d never bet against them with Lionel Messi is playing, and defending champions Liverpool complete the trio.
“I’m backing Jurgen Klopp’s men to beat City in the final to record back-to-back wins.”
Collymore also used his column to remark on the incident regarding new Liverpool signing Harvey Elliott.
The 16-year-old publicly apologised after a video emerged of him using derogatory language to mock Tottenham forward Harry Kane, as per BBC Sport, and Collymore is glad the incident came to light so early in Elliott’s career.
“Making mistakes at 14, 15 or 16 years of age is a rite of passage,” added the pundit.
“We’ve all done it.
“So all of you who have been holier than thou and had a pop at Harvey Elliott after a video emerged of him mocking Harry Kane need to have a look at yourselves.
“I’m just pleased he made this sort of mistake early so he can learn from it.”
OPINION
Collymore believes another all-English Champions League final is set to happen in 2020, and Liverpool fans will be hoping the pundit truly has a crystal ball. To win the Champions League in 2019 was sweet enough after beating Tottenham in the final, but to retain the prestigious trophy would be some achievement. Also if the Reds won in the final against a Man City side, who will likely be desperate to win it, then the victory will be made even sweeter. Liverpool and Man City have a rivalry brewing between them after their fierce battle for the Premier League title last season, so it will be like a bonus to Reds fans if Guardiola lost a Champions League final to Jurgen Klopp. However, while it would be incredibly amazing to see the Champions League trophy stay at Anfield, it would arguably be nicer if the Reds win the Premier League. The Reds have never won the Premier League, and that is a wrong that must be righted sooner rather than later. As for Collymore’s comments on Elliott, it makes sense that the pundit is willing to put the incident regarding his questionable behaviour down to his immaturity, but he needs to grow up fast if he wants a successful career at Liverpool.
