Maribor midfielder Aleks Pihler says facing Liverpool is perfect incentive to secure first Champions League win this season: 'We cannot wait for kick-off, we know who is coming to town'

  • Maribor midfielder Aleks Pihler believes facing Liverpool will give extra incentive
  • The Slovenian side are yet to taste success in the Champions League this season
  • Maribor drew against Spartak Moscow and then lost 3-0 to Sevilla last time out
  • But Pihler said playing against such a huge side will motivate them to try and win
  • The two sides meet in a Champions League Group E clash in Slovenia on Tuesday

Maribor midfielder Aleks Pihler believes the visit of Liverpool in the Champions League provides just the motivation they need to register their first win in Group E.

Having drawn their opener at home to Spartak Moscow and lost 3-0 at Sevilla the Slovenian side are bottom of the table.

However, Pihler insists the arrival of the five-time European champions gives them extra incentive.

Maribor's Aleks Pihler says facing Liverpool will give them the motivation to secure first win

Maribor's Aleks Pihler says facing Liverpool will give them the motivation to secure first win

'We cannot wait for kick-off. We know who is coming to Ljudski vrt (Maribor's stadium),' he told a pre-match press conference.


'Every victory is good for confidence but playing against Liverpool is motivation enough.'

Coach Darko Milanic, who endured a disastrous 32-day spell in charge of Leeds three years ago, accepts his side face a tough task on Tuesday.

The Slovenian side lost 3-0 away to Sevilla in their last Champions League Group E outing

The Slovenian side lost 3-0 away to Sevilla in their last Champions League Group E outing

And coach Darko Milanic knows they're faced with another difficult task on Tuesday

And coach Darko Milanic knows they're faced with another difficult task on Tuesday

Maribor are unbeaten in eight European home fixtures - winning five - and have lost just three of their last 14 games, home and away, but they have not won any of their seven home matches in the Champions League group stage.

'It's hard to speak of weaknesses in opponents like these,' he said.

'They can have problems when they lose the ball, that could be our opportunity, but they have quality and pace.

Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool squad left for Slovenia ahead of their fixture on Monday

Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool squad left for Slovenia ahead of their fixture on Monday

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Philippe Coutinho and Alberto Moreno arrive at Liverpool airport

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Philippe Coutinho and Alberto Moreno arrive at Liverpool airport

Winger Mohamed Salah rolls his bag behind him ahead of the short trip to Slovenia

Winger Mohamed Salah rolls his bag behind him ahead of the short trip to Slovenia

'We have to be persistent and patient. We need to fight fanatically, help each other, adapt.'

'We have a good record against English teams (they have won one and drawn two at home) so we can be optimistic.

'I hope this fact will give the players an extra lift on the field. Every little bit helps.'