Jurgen Klopp says Manchester City won’t be happy to have been drawn against Liverpool in a Champions League quarter-final showdown of Premier League rivals. Klopp’s side were paired with Premier League leaders City in Friday’s draw and the Reds boss is certain Pep Guardiola’s side will be feeling a little nervous about the prospect.
Although City beat Liverpool 5-0 in September, they suffered their only league defeat this season at Liverpool on January 14. The Reds raced into a 4-1 lead before settling for a 4-3 victory and Klopp believes that vibrant performance will set the tone for the European rematch.
The quarter-final first leg will take place at Anfield on April 4 and the decisive return is set for April at Eastlands 10.
“We’ve lost once and we’ve won once against them in the league. I don’t think they thought before the best draw they could have got is Liverpool. That’s a sign for us and how strong we can be,” Klopp told Liverpool’s website.
“We are for sure not the favourites in this round, but in the last eight there are not a lot of favourites -– maybe two of them, Bayern and Barcelona -– but thank God it’s football and nothing is decided.”
The tie will be the first meeting between Premier League sides in the Champions League quarter-finals since 2010-11 when Manchester United beat Chelsea. Facing another English team gives the clash added spice and Klopp is relishing the occasion.
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