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Sadio Mane says there is no reason why Liverpool cannot put together another long run in the Champions League this season. Liverpool defied the odds in 2017-18 to reach the final of Europe's premier club competition before they were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid back in May. Mane, who scored 10 goals in the Europe last term, believes Liverpool can only benefit from their route to the Kiev final, which saw Jurgen Klopp's side eliminate Manchester City, Roma and Porto. "It was a very big sign for us. It was a bonus for us to learn and get those kinds of experiences," he said. "We have played [big games] already and we know how. Now we have to do the same work on the pitch and the experience we had in the past will help. "It's very early to speak about it but it's why we're always here working: to do anything possible. We have the quality and everything to go throughout [the tournament], so why not? Why not?" Liverpool will discover their group stage opponents for this season on Thursday, with the Reds being placed in Pot 3 for the draw. It means Liverpool could face a more difficult group, although Mane insists he and his teammates have no preference on who they take on. "Honestly, I don't mind," he added. "We are a good team. It will not be easy for any team but, like we always did, we'll fight and fight and fight again." Meanwhile, Liverpool's managing director Billy Hogan has told the Liverpool Echo that the club will explore the option of securing a naming-rights deal for their new training ground. Liverpool are transforming their current academy complex in Kirkby to one that will also house the first team, with the project set to be completed in 2020. "The new training ground is a different opportunity," Hogan said. "It's not just the first team, it's the academy as well. So what's the right partner for a training ground? "For the right partner, if it makes sense, then that's something we'll certainly look at. "There are wider opportunities around the new training ground which we'll look at. If it's not a headline naming rights then more subtle relationships could make more sense within a training ground environment."
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