Besiktas director of football Semih Usta believes that if his side can beat Liverpool in their Europa League round of 32 tie then they will become one of the favourites to go all the way in the competition.
The Black Eagles have already given a tough time to Arsenal and Tottenham in Europe this season and will be looking to do the same when they visit Anfield for the first leg of their two-legged affair against the Reds later tonight.
While accepting the fact that Liverpool are tough opponents, Usta stressed that their performance in Europe against English teams this season gives them confidence ahead of their match against the Reds.
He admits that an easier draw was preferable, but he also believes beating Liverpool would be a great confidence booster and will instantly elevate them to the status of being one of the favourites to lift the trophy at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw on 27th May.
“Liverpool are tough opponents, of course”, the Besiktas director of football told Liverpool’s official site.
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“It could have been a much better draw for us, but this is not the first time this season we've been handed a tough draw.
“We were paired with Arsenal for our Champions League qualifier and then Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League group stage.
“So the reaction is this – if we can get past Liverpool, then we believe we have what it takes to win the cup.”
After the draw was announced in December, Besiktas board member Ahmet Nur Cebi vowed that his side would avenge their humiliating 8-0 loss in a Champions League group game against Liverpool at Anfield in 2007.
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