Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has predicted that his old side will endure a "tough year" this term.

The Reds' return to the Champions League will see their resources stretched, according to the German, and he believes that Brendan Rodgers's squad may find it difficult to seriously challenge for honours.

He told Sky Sports News: "Liverpool have a tough year ahead of them, they will have to get used to playing on a Wednesday and then a Saturday and a lot of their players haven't been there before.

"With that being said, I think Liverpool will have it tough this season. I think it suits them better in the Champions League than the Premier League.

"They have a lot of players who haven't played there before, but they've all got potential, they're young players with great potential but it'll be tough."

Liverpool have been drawn alongside Real Madrid, FC Basel and Ludgorets in their Champions League group.