Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has hailed the Reds as the best team in Europe despite Chelsea currently holding the Champions League title. Thomas Tuchel’s Blues of course won their second European crown at the end of last season as they edged out Manchester City 1-0 in Porto.
That saw Chelsea establish themselves at the top of the European game, with City boss Guardiola hailing the team that Tuchel managed to assemble at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking in February, the Spaniard said: “The best team is Chelsea. They won the Champions League."
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The Blues have failed to build on their success against Guardiola’s men though. A Premier League title challenge has not materialised, whilst Chelsea are on the verge of exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage following a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Manchester City - as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool - have excellent opportunities to progress with victories against Atletico Madrid and Benfica. Ahead of what could prove to be a key game in the Premier League title race between the pair, ex-Reds midfielder Hamann has suggested that his former side have now claimed Chelsea’s title as the best side in Europe.
Speaking with Sky Sports Germany, he said: “Liverpool is the best team in Europe.
“Liverpool FC celebrated a commanding victory in a 3-1 win in Lisbon. They have the best defence, an incredibly strong offence. Defensive leader Virgil van Dijk wins duels and leads the team. He does exactly that and represents exactly what FC Bayern lacks.
“Right now, Liverpool is the best team in Europe.”
Whilst Chelsea’s hopes of progressing to the Champions League semi-final look somewhat remote, the Blues still have chances to add to the silverware they have already claimed this season. Having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cups, Tuchel’s troops have an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace to tackle.
