Despite acknowledging the strength of the opposition, Klopp believes that his team has found its form at the right moment to take on the 14-time Champions League winners.
“Life is all about timing”
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool Football Club, has expressed his optimism about his team’s chances of progressing through the Champions League round-of-16 tie against holders Real Madrid. Despite acknowledging the strength of the opposition, Klopp believes that his team has found its form at the right moment to take on the 14-time Champions League winners. Liverpool’s form has improved significantly in recent weeks, with significant wins over Everton and top-four rivals Newcastle helping them to recover from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves in early February. Klopp believes that the timing of their resurgence could prove crucial in their efforts to overcome Real Madrid.
“Life is all about timing,” said Klopp. “Maybe we’ve found our feet right in time for this game. We need to play a super game; we need to play two super games, to be honest, to get through.”
Klopp believes that his team can learn from that defeat against Real Madrid
“I have no problem with that because if you don’t play your best, you don’t have a chance – Real Madrid don’t have to play their best and still have a chance! That’s the difference. That’s pretty special. I can’t wait.” Liverpool and Real Madrid faced off in last year’s final, with Real Madrid emerging victorious thanks to a decisive goal. Klopp believes that his team can learn from that defeat and draw on their experience to improve their chances of success this time around. You could see how experienced Madrid is, how little they are fussed when the other team has chances, they don’t lose confidence, they know their chance will come,” said Klopp.
The head coach is expecting a top-quality match
“This is that team, the competition, and you can learn from them. But that’s six, eight months ago. Before that, we played there on the training ground and here in an empty stadium. Here, it was a really good 0-0; we let them work hard, which was good. But this is now, same clubs, different teams, different times.” Klopp is expecting a top-quality football match between two highly successful clubs that have a history of grinding out results. He is looking forward to seeing which team will come out on top.
“With the recent history and both clubs quite successful in the competition, difficult to play against, grinding results out, it will be a top football game,” said Klopp. “I’m thrilled we can play now. Four weeks ago, it would have been different, but life is all about timing. We have these two results, and hopefully, we can build on that.”
Liverpool have to play two super games
Despite the challenge that lies ahead, Klopp is confident that his team has what it takes to overcome Real Madrid and progress to the next round of the competition. “This is a different competition, and you must use this opportunity,” said Klopp. “We have to play two super games, but I believe that we can do it. We have the quality, the determination, and the desire to win. It won’t be easy, but nothing worth having ever is. We are ready for the challenge.” Liverpool fans will be hoping that Klopp’s confidence is well-placed and that his team can indeed overcome the mighty Real Madrid.
With the tie’s first leg taking place at Anfield, Liverpool will be looking to make home advantage count and secure a positive result to take into the return leg. Whatever happens, it promises to be an enthralling encounter between two of the most successful clubs in European football history.