Thierry Henry issues verdict on Liverpool's Champions League chances after Atletico Madrid win | OneFootball

The Arsenal legend thinks Liverpool are too vulnerable defensively

Thierry Henry says Liverpool could find it tough to win the Champions League this season because they “concede too many goals”.

Liverpool kicked off the league phase of their campaign with a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

However, the Reds needed an injury-time goal from captain Virgil van Dijk to claim all three points having thrown away a 2-0 lead when Marcos Llorente equalised in the 81st minute.

It is the third time already this season that Liverpool have been pegged back from two goals up, but just like against Bournemouth and Newcastle, they found a way to win.

Speaking about Liverpool’s perfect start to the campaign, Henry believes Arne Slot’s side must improve defensively if they’re to go all the way in the Champions League.

“Liverpool… I don’t know, Jamie [Carragher] said it, I do think from already pre-season they concede too many goals, they need to erase that,” Henry said on CBS Sports.

“They got bailed out again the other day against Burnley and you have to find a way to win games, so we’re not complaining about that.

“But in the Champions League, if you concede too many goals it’s a tough one to win.”

Late winner: Virgil van Dijk

AFP via Getty Images

Liverpool did go into the Atletico Madrid game on the back of recording successive clean sheets in 1-0 wins over Arsenal and Burnley either side of the international break.

In addition, all five of the Reds’ competitive victories this season have been achieved via late goals and van Dijk insists it’s the hallmark of a team that never gives up.

"It's a team that never gives up," he told TNT Sports after the game. "Listen, I think we tried, we kept pushing for the 3-1 and obviously to concede an equaliser, a deflection, a massive deflection, was obviously not great.

"But we found a way again. I think we were dangerous with set pieces. They were pretty aggressive, I must say, and I'm glad I got the winner.

"They [Atletico] have quality players that can punish you if you're not there in a split second. If you're a little bit too late, they will punish you.

"After the break we tried to go for the 3-1, but obviously they get a bit of confidence from that.

"Eventually you have to keep going and we showed the resilience we've been showing for so many years. Another great European night here again.

"I think we have showed many times that we are capable of doing it. Today I was the lucky one with the winner and we move on."