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Liverpool will progress in Champions League under Jurgen Klopp - Bayern's Carlo Ancelotti
BAYERN MUNICH manager Carlo Ancelotti is expecting Jurgen Klopp to lead Liverpool into the Champions League group stages.
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The Reds face a two-legged play off, with the first leg scheduled for August 15/16, before they can progress.
Following their fourth-place finish last season in the Premier League, Liverpool are back in the competition after a year without European football.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City all automatically qualified, while Manchester United are also involved due to their Europa League triumph.
Liverpool came within one match of winning that trophy too two years ago at the end of Klopp's first season in charge, but they suffered defeat in the final to Sevilla.
For the first time since his arrival, Klopp now has Champions League action to look forward to at Anfield.
Bayern's Carlo Ancelotti is expecting strong competition from English clubs in the Champions League
I hope Jurgen gets Liverpool Champions League qualification
And ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti believes the English clubs will pose as a big threat to their European rivals this season.
"The Champions League this year will be more competitive because there are some really important English teams in the competition," Ancelotti said.
"United, City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool – I think Jurgen [will] win qualification.
"I hope Jurgen gets Liverpool Champions League qualification.
Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp were both speaking yesterday ahead of the Audi Cup
"With Liverpool in the contest, it would be much more competitive.
"The Champions League will surely be more difficult to win."
Liverpool will discover their play-off opponents on Friday when the draw takes place.
In the meantime, Klopp's Reds take on Ancelotti's Bayen tonight (7.30pm) at the Allianz Arena in the Audi Cup as pre-season preparations continue.
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