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Liverpool a different animal from last season: Lennon

Former Celtic boss Lennon says Reds have 'improved a lot'

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes last season's Champions League finalists Liverpool have sounded a warning to Europe that they are even better this time around.

The Reds beat moneybags Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 after an injury-time Roberto Firmino goal earned them the win in their Group C opener at Anfield yesterday morning (Singapore time).

Juergen Klopp's men were 2-0 up after just 36 minutes via goals from Daniel Sturridge and James Milner, but the French side levelled the score in the 83rd minute through Kylian Mbappe after Thomas Meunier pulled one back before half-time.

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon said on Sky Sports: "Psychologically, it's a huge win for Liverpool. To make those changes and still come out on top against PSG, who are flying, that will set them in good stead.

"They're a totally different animal from last year, where they were 3-0 up in Seville and it ended 3-3. I know it was 3-2 tonight, but they don't look as open as they have done.

"They are in a very good place at the minute. We've seen how devastating they are, but with (Virgil) van Dijk and Alisson in there, they've added the missing parts of the jigsaw to be a complete team.

"In terms of winning the Premier League and Champions League, it's a big ask, but they've improved a lot."

You've all seen the 'no look' goals, so I think he doesn't need his eye to play. Sadio Mane on Liverpool match-winner Roberto Firmino, who started on the bench against Paris Saint-Germain due to an eye injury

Former Manchester United players Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand, however, were more bullish.

Ex-Liverpool striker Owen believes his former team are "tailor-made" for Champions League football.

He said on BT Sport: "I really fancy two teams this year, either Manchester City or Liverpool...

"(Liverpool) are tailor-made for Europe, playing brilliant in the Premier League. I am sure they are going to win a trophy this year."

His former England teammate Ferdinand agreed, adding: "It looks like it. They are doing very well."

Having fallen just short last season, Reds left-back Andrew Robertson said his team have been eager for their return to European action.

He told the BBC: "This club and the fans have been waiting for the Champions League to come back since May...

"We lost a goal just before half-time but controlled the second half before a sloppy pass... That was the only time they opened us up."

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