‘Go out against Bayern Munich’ – Nev suggests CL exit suits Liverpool

Gary Neville has again suggested that exiting the Champions League could have the most positive effect on Liverpool’s season.

The Reds sit in second place in the Premier League table after 0-0 draws with Manchester United and Everton allowed Manchester City to establish a one-point lead in the title race.

Liverpool this week must switch their focus to their Champions League last-16 second leg – a tie Neville believes Jurgen Klopp’s side could be better off losing.

“I have said Liverpool need a clean fixture list to win the title,” he said on Sky Sports’ Gary Neville Podcast. “Go out against Bayern Munich.

“I am not saying go out to lose the game. But I think it will be in Liverpool’s favour to have a clean run because they can get everyone fresh and prepare for the rest of the season.

“This is 50-50. Liverpool have blown a seven-point lead but it may be that the season is equalising itself out.”

Neville was cautious to suggest that Liverpool may have blown their best chance of winning their first title in 30 years but the former Man Utd and England defender says the Reds have shown a lack of composure while questioning some of Jurgen Klopp’s decisions.

“This has been a difficult week for Liverpool and they might be two very important points at the end of the season,” he added.

“I wouldn’t say it has been a bad week. Unbeaten, clean sheets…

“The one thing I would say is they haven’t shown composure. Would you say they are feeling the pressure? I’m not sure, I think it might just be a quality thing.

“Xherdan Shaqiri, Adam Lallana, Naby Keita are players that have more natural ability than the ones we are seeing in these games.

“Maybe Jurgen Klopp wanted to be resilient and not concede goals.”

In September, Neville said: “The Champions League – if I was Liverpool, I would kick it into touch.”