We want to create more stories to remember – Klopp

Jurgen Klopp played down suggestions Liverpool’s Champions League triumph lastseason makes them the best team in Europe as he revealed he wants to “create more stories to remember in the future”.

The Reds made up for missing out on the Premier League title by one point to Manchester City by clinching the most coveted prize in European club football by beating Tottenham in the Madrid final in June.

Klopp, though, insists Liverpool cannot dwell on their success as they prepare to begin the defence of their crown against Napoli in their Group E opener.

He said: “We cannot be the best team in Europe because Man City is the best team in the world, that’s the same planet, I heard! There are a lot of good teams out there and you have to prove that constantly.

“Last season we were really good. I’m not too sure we were the best team in Europe, but we were really good in the right moments and that’s why we won the Champions League.

“You cannot imagine how normal it is to carry on after the celebrations, it’s so easy to carry on normal if you have the right character.

“If you go nuts and start taking drugs and drinking and driving different cars or whatever, and leave your missus at home because you are now the Champions League winner, then I can’t help you.

“But we are not like this, we want to create more stories to remember in the future and not only this one, so we cannot stick to that.

“I have no idea how I could use the fact that I won the Champions League with the boys, so I didn’t even think about it.”

Liverpool’s ascent to glory came despite losing all three fixtures away from Anfield in the group stage last year, when they were also paired with Napoli, who triumphed 1-0 in the corresponding encounter last October.

Klopp added: “We want to be as consistent as last year, but play our football from this year. It’s just ‘do your best’ all the time.

“Last year we learned from one game to the next game and we have to use that experience because if you don’t defend with all we have then we have no chance against Napoli, they are so strong.

“They are stubborn in a positive way. They play football, they break lines, they have good counter-attacks, they are creative. I enjoy it when I analyse Napoli. I like to watch them.”

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Liverpool’s Champions League triumph makes them a more formidable opponent than the team beaten by Lorenzo Insigne’s last-gasp strike at the Stadio San Paolo 11 months ago.

The Reds prevailed in the reverse encounter at Anfield to secure their passage into the knockout rounds at Napoli’s expense, which Ancelotti thinks impacted his team’s domestic prospects.

Ancelotti said at a press conference: “We’re playing the best team in Europe and they haven’t dropped any points in the Premier League yet.

“The result is very important in matches like this but it’s even more important we have the confidence to match the best teams out there.

“Last year we were in a really tough group and we very nearly qualified. We’re determined to erase the disappointment of last season, which had a psychological effect on us in Serie A too.

“Normally it’s the European champions who are favourites, but we hope it ends the same way as last year’s game at the San Paolo.

“Liverpool have improved because winning the Champions League gives you belief.

“Napoli have improved too and we’ve bolstered our squad with the addition of some quality players. I think it will be a great game – hard fought and intense.”