‘I didn’t watch Champions League ultimate once more till final weekend, it was torture’: Juergen Klopp
Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp conceded that he had not been capable of convey himself to rewatch final season’s Champions League ultimate defeat by Real Madrid till this previous weekend, insisting reliving the expertise was “torture”.
The Reds received their first three matches towards Real in European competitors, between 1981 and 2009. Since then, nonetheless, they’re winless in six video games towards them, with 5 of these ending in defeat.
Two of these losses got here within the 2018 and 2022 finals, the latter being significantly painful for Klopp forward of the go to of Real to Anfield for the primary leg of the Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
“Different things happened to us with Real Madrid,” Klopp informed a information convention on Monday. “One of the most important golf equipment on this planet, tremendous skilled.
“Our personal story, we performed this ultimate in Paris (final yr). I didn’t watch it again till this weekend and I do know why I didn’t watch it again now, it was correct torture.
“We played a good game and could’ve won the game. They scored a decisive goal and we didn’t. You could see how experienced Madrid is.”
Liverpool are enduring a disappointing season domestically, sitting eighth within the Premier League standings, 19 factors behind leaders Arsenal.
Klopp doesn’t imagine meaning Liverpool ought to go into Tuesday’s conflict towards the document 14-time European champions with any trepidation.
“I’m really happy we can play this game now rather than a few weeks ago,” Klopp added. “We must play a brilliant recreation. Two tremendous video games to be sincere to get by means of. I’ve no downside with that.
“We all the time work so onerous for qualifying for the Champions League that I actually suppose you need to cherish these moments. It will likely be a particular recreation.
“I expect Anfield on their toes. They saw us in better shape last two games, more things to look forward to. It’s Real Madrid. We can’t play this game without respect. They are absolutely world class. It’s a well set-up team and that’s why it’s so difficult. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.”
Klopp additionally added that there’s a “chance” Darwin Nunez could possibly be match to play towards Real. The Uruguayan ahead went off with a shoulder damage towards Newcastle United on the weekend.
