Glenn Hoddle admits it is the impossible question.
Who among the four Premier League bosses preparing to resume Champions League duties this month needs to light up the competition more? Is it Pep Guardiola and English champions Manchester City, struggling to keep pace with league leaders Arsenal and still to conquer Europe.
Or does Jurgen Klopp trump that, with his free-falling Liverpool yet to win a game since the start of 2023. Graham Potter, mind, is a good shout, too, as he tries to stabilise his precarious position at the helm of big-spending Chelsea.
READ MORE: Paul Merson offers Jurgen Klopp advice to get Liverpool out of ‘never-ending crisis’
Then again, what about Antonio Conte and Tottenham, whose future together remains equally uncertain? In Hoddle’s opinion, that all adds up to each of the elite coaches being as desperate as the other to have a cracking knockout Champions League campaign.
The ex-England manager said: “It’s a bloody good question. All four of them need it exactly the same. It’s incredible really. Pep hasn’t won the Champions League with City. He actually hasn’t won it without a little fella called Messi. So, there’s something he needs to do.
“Conte, whether he is going to stay at Tottenham…well if they go long and deep, then the confidence comes and they get top four. He needs it.
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“Graham Potter at Chelsea is the same. The Champions League could be a turning point. If they reach the quarters or semis, that should be enough for the owners to stick with him.
“And Klopp, my word. Imagine if Liverpool knock out Real Madrid, that would turn everything on its head.”
Sure would, especially as Liverpool face by far the toughest tie of the lot, against holders Real Madrid. Hence, while backing City to beat RB Leipzig and his former clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham to progress past Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, respectively, Hoddle is genuinely concerned for Klopp’s strugglers.
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He went on: “Liverpool have got it all to do. They are not the Liverpool of a couple of years ago. This fixture brings out something special in these clubs.
“They’ve had amazing games over the years. They have been two heavyweights, but Liverpool have come down a weight at the moment.
“They are not functioning well enough. The timing of playing Real Madrid is not right for them. That’s the only English team that I’m a bit fearful for. I think the other three will go through.
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“Spurs have a good tie. Milan are not the team they were yesteryear. It’s nicely balanced and I’m pleased they are away in the opening game. That’s key.
“Whether they can set their sights on winning the competition, I don’t know. Listen, you can never say never. They got to Champions League final a few years ago – and nobody would have thought they were a team who could get to it back then.
“And I think Chelsea are very close to challenging again, very quickly. It’s a very delicate time for them but if that team starts clicking, they could surprise a lot of people. Their new players have the X factor and will want to do well.
“By hook or by crook, by good play, by a bit of good fortune, any of them can get to the final. I just don’t think Liverpool can because they are coming up against Real Madrid.”
BT Sport is the exclusive home of the UEFA Champions League. Watch AC Milan v Spurs exclusively live on BT Sport 1 on Tuesday 14th February from 7pm. For more info, visit btsport.com
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