Ajax boss warns Liverpool ahead of 'sad' Champions League showdown
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag looks ahead to Champions League tie against Liverpool but admits lack of fans will make it a lesser occasion
Ian DoyleChief Liverpool writer
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag admits it is "desperately sad" supporters will again be locked out of Anfield - and has warned Liverpool they face a tougher proposition than in Amsterdam.
The Reds need only a draw to secure progress to the Champions League knockout stages with a game to spare when they entertain the Dutch side on Tuesday night.
Liverpool opened Group D with a narrow 1-0 win in Holland last month thanks to an own goal from Nicolas Tagliafico.
But Ten Hag believes his team are in much better shape for the return game.
Davy Klaassen makes Liverpool admission ahead of Ajax clash in Champions League
Liverpool are not alone as Premier League sent warning over VAR
"The main lesson from the first game is we need to have been a bit more brave then we would have had a better result," he said.
"We did create a lot of opportunities and we didn't finish those. We could have created more had we been a bit more brave.
"We know they (Liverpool) have some issues with injuries. However, they are still top of the Premier League and that tells you a lot. They are a very strong team.
"We will have some more training but the players look to be in good fitness. We have very in-shape guys with us.
"The fitness of our team has improved (from the first game). The team will perform a lot better."
Coronavirus restrictions mean no supporters will be present for only Ajax's second visit to Anfield after a side inspired by Johan Cruyff's two goals drew 2-2 there in the European Cup in 1966.
And Ten Hag said: "Of course, it's one of the most famous grounds in history. It's so exceptionally sad there are no fans in the stadium.
"(The fans being there) made it so attractive to play here for us, but for our own fans it is also so sad that they couldn't join us here."
Ajax are level with Atalanta on seven points, two points behind Liverpool. But with the Italians at home to group whipping boys FC Midtjylland on Tuesday, it's likely Ajax's home game with Atalanta next week will determine whether they progress.
"We will see what the situation is in Bergamo, but it could be that one point in Liverpool doesn't really take us anywhere," admitted Ten Hag.
The Ajax boss also dismissed suggestions his side could be regarded favourites given Liverpool's ongoing injury crisis.
"That's not really something I think about," he said. "Normally I'd say Liverpool, top of the Premier League, they won it last year, they won the Champions League, you would assume Liverpool are the favourites.
Four things learned from Liverpool training as Joel Matip returns
Liverpool face Aston Villa in FA Cup as remarkable run in draws continues
"We just need to play the game that we know. That's what we will try to do. We know that there is quite a lot of pressure (on us) but we will have to play close on the ball and use the space.
"The structures are always the same with Liverpool. It's clear that the technical staff and their influence is very clear. We know how we have to respond to that.
"What did we learn from Brighton's performance? Not that much really. We have our own identity and we will play our own game."