Liverpool stronger now than when they won 2005 title

LONDON, Sept 7 (Reuters) Liverpool stand as the best example of how any club that makes it through to the last 16 of the competition must be regarded as potential European champions.

Two seasons ago a largely unheralded Liverpool side, struggling to play consistently well in the Premier League, qualified in second place from their opening phase group and then went on a roller-coaster ride all the way to winning the final on a night of high drama.

Rafa Benitez's men, trailing 3-0 to AC Milan at halftime in Istanbul, fought back to draw 3-3 in the second half before winning the European Cup for the fifth time on penalties.

Two seasons on, and no-one is treating Liverpool lightly now.

Benitez's side have grown in confidence and experience in Europe and although they failed to retain their crown last season, losing 3-0 to Benfica on aggregate in the first knockout round, they will be determined to go further this season.

Benitez has been busy during the close season with 13 players with senior experience either leaving Anfield on permanent or loan deals and five major new signings arriving.

Fernando Morientes, Dietmar Hamann, Djimi Traore, Djibril Cisse and Jan Kromkamp are among those who have departed while the arrival of Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Pennant, Dirk Kuyt and Mark Gonzalez has increased Benitez's attacking options.

With Steven Gerrard eager to put a disappointing World Cup behind him and Mohamed Sissoko maturing into a fine midfielder, Liverpool look well equipped to challenge for a place in the later stages.

They also find themselves in a group from which they should advance with PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray and Girondins Bordeaux likely to be involved in the race for second place.

The meeting with Galatasaray on December 5 in the last group game will bring back fine memories for fans and players returning to the Olympic Stadium in the outskirts of Istanbul, the venue for their epic victory against Milan 16 months ago.

The main problem for Liverpool, perhaps, is that they do not have the strength in depth of some of the other main contenders for the European Cup and in a long season with inevitable injuries, Liverpool might struggle a little.

However the club, European champions five times in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984 and 2005, have a fantastic European heritage and an indefatigable drive to succeed. That, at the least, means they can never be discounted.

REUTERS PDS PC1807