Jurgen Klopp warns Liverpool ahead of Champions League tie: Don't crumble under pressure
GETTY Jurgen Klopp is preparing his Liverpool side for their Champions League play-off tie
The German believes his men are preparing for the “most difficult steps” in securing their place in the group stages when they face Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Liverpool finished fourth last season above Arsenal and Manchester United in the Premier League to reach this position, but Klopp believes the greatest challenge lies ahead. That is a two-legged tie against the fourth best team in the Bundesliga from last season and their ambitious young manager Julian Nagelsmann. But under Klopp, Liverpool have sometimes faltered when the pressure has been on, most notably in the Europa League final in 2016 when they were 45 minutes away from the trophy and Champions League spot but lost 2-1 to Seville after throwing away a half-time lead. “We want to go to the group stages,” said Klopp. “That was our target for the whole of last season and we have two steps to go – but the most difficult steps.
We want to go to the group stages Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
“I am really positive and looking forward to the game – even when I know it is really difficult. “That is no problem. That is how it should be in the Champions League where all the games are difficult. “You can see the opportunity in different ways. We have already qualified for European competition which we didn’t have last year. “I know now people will say: “Yes but who wants to play in the Europa League?”
Liverpool train ahead of Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim Mon, August 14, 2017 Express Sport brings you all the best snaps as Liverpool train ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim Play slideshow Liverpool FC via Getty Images 1 of 14 Liverpool train ahead of facing Hoffenheim
“Manchester United didn’t want to play it last year but they won it and now they are in the Champions League. Things happen like that. “We can either allow the pressure on this game to increase over the next 24 hours to the extent that we cannot walk anymore, or we still try to enjoy this opportunity. I think that is the best way to do it.” Liverpool’s task is made more difficult by the absence of star man Philippe Coutinho who was left back on Merseyside with a back injury amid Barcelona’s pursuit. While Daniel Sturridge also missed the trip as he recovers from a thigh injury ahead of Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace. The Reds are still favourites on paper to come through this tie unscathed and ensure they are rubbing shoulders with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid this season.
GETTY Daniel Sturridge last played in Liverpool's 3-0 win against Bayern in pre-season
But they face a side who, according to their manager, are looking to “surprise English football” as well as secure their place in the group stages of the Champions League. Hoffenheim are making their European debut tonight and hail from a village with a population of less than 4,000, although their impressive Rhein-Neckar-Arena resides about nine miles away in Sinsheim. They only reached the Bundesliga for the first time in 2008 but under 30-year-old Nagelsmann they managed to achieve their highest ever position in his debut campaign as boss last term. Nagelsmann has them playing what Klopp describes as an aggressive style of football that should make for an interesting clash with Liverpool’s pressing.