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Watford boss Claudio Ranieri has told Inter Milan what they must do if they are to knock Liverpool out of the Champions League.

The Champions League Round of 16 draw was mired in controversy on Monday. A series of missteps led UEFA to rule the initial draw null and void. At the second time of asking Liverpool were drawn against Italian champions Inter Milan who will represent a tougher challenge than their opponent from the first draw – RB Salzburg.

Liverpool will be favourites for the two-legged tie. Nevertheless, Hornets boss Ranieri has let loose three things Inter must do to dump the Reds out of Europe.

“It will be a nice game and the result is not obvious,” Ranieri told La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia).

“Liverpool are really strong, but you can see Inzaghi’s hands at Inter. He has inherited a winning team from [Antonio] Conte and it was legitimate to have some doubts after Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi’s sales, but Inter go really fast now.”

On what approach Inter should take to defeat the free-scoring Reds, Ranieri said: “Liverpool and Manchester City are the best teams in England even if Chelsea are on the same level.

“First of all, they must face both games with determination and without inferiority complex. Never take anything for granted in football.

“Second, they must limit errors. Mistakes can be crucial in Champions League, especially against big clubs. There are moments on the pitch when you have positive or negative feelings, so you have to listen to them and act accordingly.

“There is a perfect chemistry between Klopp and the City of Liverpool. He is a good, smart man, a very nice person. Jurgen is the ideal coach for a top club with a great fanbase.”

The final thing Ranieri insisted Inter must do is not be overawed by the Anfield atmosphere.

“However, if you let the Anfield atmosphere get to you, you won’t go far,” Ranieri added. “It’s important for Liverpool, the support from their fans is incredible.”

Zanetti doesn’t fear Liverpool

Meanwhile, legendary Inter full-back and current vice-president Javier Zanetti labelled Liverpool a “top club”. However, he insisted the Serie A kings will be “ready” to produce a major upset.

“It’s useless to comment because everybody saw what happened,” said Zanetti (via Football Italia).

“We accept what we got and we are ready to face Liverpool. They are a top club, but we are the same. Inter have a great history. We have a lot of time to prepare for the game and we’ll be ready.

“It’s a great satisfaction to play in the Champions League knock-out phase for the first time in ten years.

“Inter have been missing it for too long and it’s great to be back. Liverpool are a top team, but we are Inter and we must face them in the best way.”

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Liverpool, West Ham deal dependant on two demands

Meanwhile, Liverpool are open to the sale of fan favourite Nathaniel Phillips to West Ham, though will stand firm on two aspects of a deal, per a report.

The burly centre-half earned a place in Liverpool fans’ hearts for his manful displays last season. The Reds were in the midst of an unprecedented injury crisis that saw Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all sidelined. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho deputised on occasion, though they too visited the treatment table.

Phillips stepped up to the plate, and alongside loanee Ozan Kabak then Rhys Williams, helped stabilise Liverpool’s season as they powered their way to third spot.

However, with Ibrahima Konate signed and the injured stars now fit, Phillips’ Anfield future is in doubt.

Now, the Sun have provided an update on the state of play. They confirm Liverpool are open to moving Phillips on, but on two conditions.

Firstly they will only sanction a permanent deal – not a loan. A loan deal may have been to West Ham’s benefit given their the absences of injured pair Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma are only temporary.

Secondly, the fee must reportedly total £10m when all is said and done. That would suggest a winter window deal could be paid in instalments.

READ MORE: Klopp hope still alive as top Liverpool target denies German move sealed

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