Liverpool have the quality to win the Champions League, says Pako Ayestaran

Former Liverpool assistant manager Pako Ayestaran says the Mereysiders have the quality to win the Champions League this season.

Ayestaran spent 11 years assisting Rafael Benitez at five different clubs – Osasuna, Extremadura, Tenerife, Valencia and Liverpool – winning two La Liga titles with Valencia and the Champions League with Liverpool.

The Spaniard has since had spells as head coach at a number of clubs, including Valencia and Las Palmas.

Despite Liverpool being drawn against Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Ayestaran believes his former employers should be considered potential winners of the competition.

"The Champions League doesn't allow you any mistakes, you have to be focused, determined in every half game you are going to play," he told LFCTV.

"In this case, I think Liverpool has the quality and the level to go all the way. If they are as focused and determined as they have been until the last game, then why can't they go all the way?

"In a knockout competition, anything can happen."

Can Liverpool beat Manchester City?

Manchester City are favourites to progress to the last eight, but Liverpool have actually out-performed their Premier League rivals in Europe this season.

Jurgen Klopp's side have scored 28 goals in eight Champions League outings this term, while City have only managed 19.

Liverpool have also defended better, conceding six goals to City's seven. However, City have been more accurate with their shooting (58% on target) than the Reds (55%).

The sides have met twice in the Premier League already this season, sharing 12 goals – City won 5-0 at the Etihad before Liverpool's 4-3 victory in the reverse fixture which ended their unbeaten domestic run.