Liverpool's hopes of playing Champions League football next season was given a major boost today when UEFA president Lennart Johansson again stated that he thinks the winners of the Champions League should defend their title.
Johansson has repeated his views of a couple of weeks ago when he stated today that a way could be found for Liverpool to be allowed back into next season's tournament as holders, despite not qualifying through the Premiership.
Johansson made that statement initially before the semi-final second leg with Chelsea, which saw Liverpool qualify for the May 25 final against AC Milan. But further comments from UEFA's director of communications William Gaillard threw doubt over the prospect.
However, Johansson has advised the English FA to put an appeal in writing and it will be favourably received. "Let's deal with it when we know the facts after the final of the Champions League," he said.
"And then see to it that we are crystal-clear that the champion must always be given the opportunity to defend the title," he added.
Johansson's views came after former Liverpool legend John Toshack joined the clamour for the Anfield club to be allowed to defend the Champions League crown if they win the final.
Toshack said: "Liverpool, if they win the trophy, should certainly go back into it as holders, no question."
Meanwhile it has been confirmed today that Liverpool will wear their traditional all red strip when they take on Milan in the final in Istanbul. The Italian outfit will wear their all white away kit.
In every one of Liverpool's four previous winning European Cup Finals, their opponents have worn white and the Anfield men their traditional all-red kit. The final they lost in Brussels 20 years ago, saw Juventus wearing black and white stripes.
