Real Madrid star Luka Modric has admitted he is surprised by Liverpool's struggles this season as the two sides gear up to meet on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
The Croatian is aware that the European champions cannot underestimate the Reds due to their own inconsistent form. Los Blancos currently sit five points off LaLiga leaders Barcelona.
Liverpool will host Madrid in the first leg of the last 16 tie and will come into the game off the back of beating Everton and Newcastle in the Premier League.
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Jurgen Klopp's side will be hoping that their recent wins instil some confidence as they look to get one over on the team that ended their hopes of winning their seventh Champions League in May's final.
"I am really surprised that Liverpool are so far from the first place in the Premier League, but they can also say the same about us at the moment in La Liga," Modric said (as per the Express.) "So, I’m not saying anything!
“Seeing the Liverpool squad, we know that at any time they can react and start to come back in the season. I hope it won't be in these two Champions League games against us but we have to be ready.
“Despite our league seasons, a Liverpool-Real match is one of the best shows that the world of football can offer. It's a shame that the draw has led to us playing so early in the competition because it would have been a great Champions League final.
“In terms of this first leg I think defences could be the key. I don’t see a lot of goals in the match. It will probably be two very even matches, but I see Real as favourites and we’ll go to Anfield looking for a victory."
Liverpool haven't enjoyed great recent success against Tuesday's opponents after losing the 2018 and 2022 finals to Madrid amid suggestions the Reds want revenge.
Modric added: “I understand that Liverpool will probably be seeking a sporting revenge against us. It is normal after the last results in European competitions between the two. But we’ll be ready. They will be two exciting matches, which is always the case when two great clubs of Spain and England face other. We believe we will go through.”
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