LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday (Feb 19).
Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.
Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski.
"It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday (Feb 18).
"There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.'
"That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago."
Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago.
Unfinished businessÂ
Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015.
"The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp.
"Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet."
Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has a team selection headache.
Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing.
Roberto Firmino also missed training on Monday due to a virus making the Brazilian forward a doubt.
However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time.
"In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp.
"Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."
Bayern's slow start to the Bundesliga season put coach Niko Kovac immediately under pressure in his first campaign in charge.
But the Croatian refused to countenance whether he faces the sack should Bayern fail to make the last eight for the first time since 2012 despite being handed a devilishly difficult draw.
"If you look at what Liverpool did in the Champions League last season and the Premier League this season, it is the most difficult draw we could get," said Kovac.
"It is not about me tomorrow. It is about the club and the team."
Bayern could also be without some key players as Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng did not travel with the rest of the squad.
Ribery will join up with his teammates after attending the birth of his daughter, while Boateng is suffering from gastroenteritis but could still travel if his condition improves.
Home Contact Us Get Listed Directory About Us Consumer Portal Client Portal the internet pages.co.uk England Scotland Wales Ireland
The Sports News page - Rediff.com
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was Monday charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his side's defeat to Burnley. Mauricio Pochettino in an argument with Referee
Football: Tottenham boss Pochettino charged with improper
Shopping made easy and fun. Shop our online assortment of exclusive products and top brand names from the comfort of your home. See what's new at HSN!
SportsKenya: Sports Betting Landscape in Kenya
LONDON • The path is now clear for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take up the full-time reins at Manchester United, after the caretaker manager yesterday made clear he was no longer contracted to Molde..
It all points to Solskjaer - theworldnews.net
Liverpool's players pose before the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Liverpool FC at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, on November 28, 2018. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp denied on Friday that his Premier League leaders will have the upper hand over […]
Premier League: Jurgen Klopp denies Liverpool's lighter
Stephen Collins, pastor-dad in '7th Heaven,' admits to sexually abusing underage girl, exposing himself to 2 others (audio) By Meg Wagner, Thomas Tracy and Nancy Dillon
List of 7th Heaven characters - Wikipedia
LONDON: England captain Harry Kane has his heart set on ending his playing career in the United States kicking field goals for a team in the National Football League (NFL). Kane, the top scorer at last year's FIFA World Cup, has long been an admirer of American football and believes successfully switching sports late in his career will help
Harry Kane wants to end career as NFL kicker - dailyvoice.co.za
It was a 28-3 blowout and the game was all but over until it wasn't. Starting with 8:36 left in the 3rd Quarter, relive the greatest comeback in the histo
12 Characteristics of the Top-Level NFL Quarterbacks
Newcastle plunge 10-man Huddersfield closer to the drop Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town - St James Park, Newcastle, Britain - February 23, 2019 Huddersfield Towns Jonathan Hogg in action with Newcastle Uniteds Jamaal Lascelles Action Images via Reuters/Lee
Newcastle plunge 10-man Huddersfield closer to the drop
Solskjaer: United don't fear Camp Nou test - Daily Nation
Hammers pack a punch: Klopp LONDON • West Ham may have a raft of injury problems, with a number of key players either missing or rated touch and go, but Jurgen Klopp is not taking their trip to the London Stadium lightly as their opponents are "nearly a top-six side".
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool players needed hammer to 'punch
United will attack PSG, vows Solskjaer LONDON • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer further endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful after confirming Manchester United would stay true to their attacking ethos and not sit back ahead of the first leg of their Champions League last-16 meeting against Paris Saint-Germain today.
United will attack Spurs, vows Lingard | FourFourTwo
London (AFP) - Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has been appointed manager of Oldham Athletic, the club announced on Monday. Scholes, 44, is taking on his first managerial role, signing a contract with the club he supported as a boy after spending his entire playing career at Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes appointed Oldham manager
global.espn.com/football/oldham-athletic/story/3770928/manchester-united-legend-paul-scholes-appointed-oldham-manager
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been appointed manager of League Two side Oldham Athletic on a one-and-a-half year contract. Scholes said: "I just feel ready, really. I've had chances before, I've got my A licence and now the time is right. "It's been 20-30 years since there has been excitement at the club.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes appointed Oldham manager
Apr 14, 2019 · Jurgen Klopp hails "amazing" Liverpool, Mohamed Salah after Chelsea win, wind at Anfield At the final whistle there were further cheers for Klopp, as he went to the Kop and punched the air in
Liverpool news: Klopp hails 'outstanding' Salah after
0 comments:
Post a Comment