Sparta Prague’s manager, Brian Priske, conceded that Liverpool belongs in the Champions League following their emphatic victory on Thursday night. With a commanding 5-1 lead from the first leg of the Europa League last 16 tie, Liverpool extended their dominance at Anfield, securing a resounding 4-0 triumph with goals from Darwin Nunez, Bobby Clark, Mo Salah, and Cody Gakpo within the opening 15 minutes.
Although Sparta managed to pull one goal back before halftime, Liverpool continued their onslaught after the break, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Gakpo adding to the tally, culminating in a 6-1 victory on the night and an overwhelming 11-2 aggregate win.
Reflecting on the match, Sparta manager Priske lauded Liverpool’s performance as “world class” and paid tribute to their relentless quality throughout both legs. He admitted, “We faced a world-class team. Big respect to Liverpool for their approach and the quality they displayed.”
Expressing disappointment over his team’s errors, Priske emphasized the magnitude of the challenge posed by Liverpool, asserting that they belong in a higher echelon of competition. He remarked, “Liverpool is a Champions League team and should be in the Champions League. They may well be Premier League winners in two months. Big respect to the players and coaching staff.”
Highlighting the vast disparity in quality, Priske emphasized that Sparta’s encounter with Liverpool surpassed any previous European challenges they had encountered. He underscored the monumental gap in class, urging Czech football fans to recognize the immense gulf between the two teams.
Liverpool’s convincing performance solidified their status as favorites to clinch the Europa League title. As they progress to the quarter-finals, Priske’s acknowledgment of Liverpool’s caliber serves as a testament to their formidable stature in European football.