DOHA (Qatar): Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp predicted a ‘tough and intense’ tie for his side who were paired with Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League on Monday.
The German watched the draw at the club’s team base in Qatar as he prepares his side for the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday against Mexico’s Monterrey.
“It’s an interesting draw. Before the draw I actually thought it would be Madrid – either one of the two clubs – and that’s the way it is,” he told the club’s website.
The Reds will return to the scene of their European glory when they face the La Liga side at Estadio Metropolitano on February 18, before the return at Anfield on March 11.
“Madrid is the place where we only have fantastic memories, all of us, so that’s great, but this time we play Atletico there and it’s their home ground. It’s a tough one, but if you go through all of the draws, there are pretty much four or five potential finals already in the last 16,” said Klopp, who signed a new contract with the club on Saturday.
The European champions have landed here as they hope to win their maiden club championship title.
“So, really, really good; a good draw, a difficult game like it should be, but how we most of the time think and say, I don’t think Mr Simeone is running through his living room and is happy that he got Liverpool,” added Klopp, whose side currently lead the Premier League table.
Liverpool’s fluid style
Liverpool have been playing mouth-watering football in recent months with their fluidity and solidity blend.
But Klopp said the clash against the Spanish club will be a difficult one. “It will be a tough game. Two teams who are used to playing intense football, different styles and slightly different organisation of course, but both are ready for intensity and that makes it pretty tough for both,” he added.
Liverpool vs Atletico is one of several mouth-watering ties Monday morning’s draw produced – and Klopp believes it demonstrates the high quality of the tournament.
“I think I said last time that it is somehow the strongest ever last 16 or last eight, but it looks like it becomes stronger and stronger every year,” said the 52-year-old.
