Šmicer: I'm going to have to warn the boys in Liverpool about Sparta
Robert Neumann
Today 15:18
Updated Today 17:51
(Via Google translate, edit: corrected some badly translated sentences, more readable now)
In the last episode of his podcast on
Sport.cz, Vladimír Šmicer declared that he will keep his fingers crossed for Sparta against Galatasaray. So that they are not rested in the league, where they are in a fight for the title with his Slavia. His wish came true. Thursday's draw for the round of 16 in the European Football League, which Letenský (their stadium) was awarded by the famous Liverpool, changed everything. "I played in Liverpool for six years, I won seven trophies with them. So it is clear who I will support“, smiles Šmicer, who won the Champions League with the Reds in 2005.
What do you think about Sparta going to Liverpool?
It's definitely attractive for Sparta to play against Liverpool. They probably got the toughest possible opponent on offer. It will be interesting. The Spartans are in a state of euphoria, leading the league, knocking out Galatasaray. They're alright. I'm going to have to warn the boys in Liverpool to not underestimate anything.
For Liverpool, the draw probably is not so attractive…
Of course, for fans, Sparta isn't a name like AC Milan or Champions League rivals. They will tend to underestimate them. However, coach Jürgen Klopp and his staff will definitely not underestimate Sparta. They know very well that they succeeded in a group with Rangers and Betis and have now eliminated Galatasaray. But one thing cannot be overlooked...
Liverpool's large mess?
Exactly. Liverpool play on four fronts. On Sunday, the final of the League Cup with Chelsea awaits them, they are also in the race for the FA Cup and the championship title…
Will Liverpool assess that the European League is the least important to them?
You can't say it like that. Jürgen Klopp retires after the season, the team wants to win a trophy for him. I think that the team will go all out in all competitions. But I'm afraid they will persevere with the kids to avoid further injuries. On Wednesday against Luton, there were five teenagers on the bench. This is no longer a normal situation.
Given Liverpool's great team, that lacks Salah, Nunez, Alexander-Arnold or Alisson, does Sparta have a chance?
I think, if there's a good time to go against Liverpool and have a chance to beat them, then that is now. We'll see if at least some of the guys are ready for first game.
Are you expecting a phone call from Liverpool in relation to the duels with Sparta?
Journalists will at least call me. They know I'm in contact with Liverpool. But the club has its resources, a system to prepare for matches. Also, Liverpool's head of logistics visited me in Prague at Christmas. I think he got to know the city very well. (Laughs)
Are you going to watch a match?
Slavia will play on the same days against AC Milan, so I will be more interested in them. I'd be happy to travel to Milan with them. So I guess so. But I'll keep my fingers crossed for Liverpool. I played for them for six years, moreover, I have been battling against Sparta all my life, it must be clear to everyone who I wish for. I have a great personal relationship with Liverpool. So I guess it wouldn't even make sense if I wished for Sparta. Even the Spartans themselves would not want me to support them.
You will definitely support Slavia against AC Milan. Do you welcome this draw?
I'm happy for them. For me, AC Milan are legends. As a boy I supported Liverpool and in Van Basten's time AC Milan. I liked the club. I have great personal memories of AC Milan, I helped beat them in the Champions League final. I can't wait for Slavia to run out against AC.
Sauce:
https://www.sport.cz/clanek/fotbal-...uky-v-liverpoolu-pred-spartou-varovat-5023328