New Orient manager Fabio Liverani has likened his side’s home match against relegation rivals Crawley Town on Boxing Day to a Champions League final.

The O’s have lost both games since the Italian became their fourth manager of the season and Orient are now joint bottom of the League One table.

Crawley go into the clash three points above them despite being on a similarly poor run of form. John Gregory’s side have failed to win any of their last nine games while Orient have lost four matches in a row.

Via a translator, Liverani said: “This Friday we have an important game for us. It’s like a Champions League final for us and there will be all the commitment from the players to be at their very best.”