Luis Garcia’s “ghost goal” helped Liverpool go on to win the Champions League – and now the Spaniard says it is time for Jurgen Klopp’s side to come out of the European shadows.
Jose Mourinho never tires of telling people how Garcia’s goal in the Anfield 2004-05 semi-final, which knocked out his Chelsea side, did not go over the line.
Then came the “miracle of Istanbul”, as Rafa Benitez’s side overcame AC Milan to make it five triumphs in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Since the arrival of Klopp from Borussia Dortmund, with whom he reached a final, the emphasis has been on trying to recapture those European nights that Anfield has been famous for.
Now qualification to the group stage of this season’s Champions League has been attained, Garcia insists it is time for Klopp to deliver.
“I think, for him, this has to be the season," said Garcia. “He has been at the club almost two years. He has been trying to build a team similar to the one he had back in Germany and this has to be the season where the trophies are coming back to the club. I think he is doing a good job. He has brought in some of the players he wanted. Now is the time for him to show the team is ready to face everything.”
But is it too soon to emulate Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Rafa Benitez in winning the trophy?
“It depends,” added Garcia. “If you look at the players and some of their performances, you can say why not?
“When I was here, no one in Europe really knew too much about us until we reached the final in 2005. Everyone was surprised, but I think the team now is a lot better than back then.”
Liverpool have also managed to hold on to Philippe Coutinho – despite three huge bids from another of Garcia’s former clubs, Barcelona.
“Liverpool said, from the first minute, they didn’t want to sell him,” said Garcia.
“He’s been a key player for a few years and this season, with the Premier League and the Champions League, it’s very important to keep players like him.
“There aren’t many clubs who have been able to tell Barcelona to go away.
“Also the kid has been fantastic. He hasn’t come out and said anything – so you have to give him enormous credit.
“Players always want to improve, to do better. At Liverpool, they have seen Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres leave Anfield to try and win things.
“This time around, it was Coutinho – because he has been so good for a couple of years.
“But it was very important he did not speak about it all – especially as far as the fans are concerned.”