Liverpool Are No Longer Europe’s Underdogs

Attempting to win their second Champions League title in four years Saturday, Liverpool are clearly one of Europe’s elite clubs — but it still feels like the Reds are playing with a chip on their shoulder.

The reason could be a pair of recent setbacks at the hands of Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The Sky Blues won the EPL title on the final day of the season — denying Liverpool an ultra-rare English quadruple. Then, City’s Kevin de Bruyne won Player of the Season over Mohamed Salah, despite the latter co-leading in goals with Tottenham’s Son Hyung-Min (23) and being first in assists (13).

But with their foreseeable future secured, the Reds won’t feel inferior in the final against Spanish titans Real Madrid.

• Salah recently committed to play next season in the final year of his approximately $252,000/week contract, amid ongoing extension talks.
• Manager Jurgen Klopp recently extended through 2026.
• Liverpool’s defensive core — Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson Becker — are locked in with multiyear deals.

There’s at least one question mark this offseason: Forward Sadio Mane, who said he’ll reveal his future plans after the final, has been linked to Bayern Munich.

But for American owners Fenway Sports Group, a second European Cup with Liverpool (+105 favorites) would be just the latest proof of the firm’s reputation for revitalizing legendary franchises.

The holding company, led by John Henry, famously took the Boston Red Sox to a long-awaited World Series title in 2004 — and will now attempt to work its magic on the Pittsburgh Penguins and a potential NBA team.