But that’s the situation Jürgen Klopp’s Reds find themselves in tonight at the KRC Genk Arena in the eastern Belgian province of Limburg, the setting for part one of their Champions League double-header with reigning Belgian champions Genk.
On the face of it, the Blauw-Wit share many similarities with their Group E contemporaries Salzburg, having re-emerged with a new coach [after losing Philippe Clement to Club Brugge] and a transformed squad following an impressive domestic title win last season.
While the new-look Salzburg began the season as formidable as ever - as demonstrated by their dramatic fightback at Anfield three weeks ago - Genk have taken a little longer to find their feet, losing two of the first three fixtures in defence of their Jupiler Pro League title.