City wont be happy to have drawn with Reds
AFP
AFP, LONDON: Jurgen Klopp says Manchester City wont be happy to have been drawn against Liverpool in a Champions League quarter-final showdown of Premier League rivals.
Klopps side were paired with Premier League leaders City in Fridays draw and the Reds boss is certain Pep Guardiolas side will be feeling a little nervous about the prospect.
Although City beat Liverpool 5-0 in September, they suffered their only league defeat this season at Liverpool on January 14.
The Reds raced into a 4-1 lead before settling for a 4-3 victory and Klopp believes that vibrant performance will set the tone for the European rematch.
The quarter-final first leg will take place at Anfield on April 4 and the decisive return is set for April 10 at Eastlands.
Weve lost once and weve won once against them in the league. I dont think they thought before the best draw they could have got is Liverpool. Thats a sign for us and how strong we can be, Klopp told Liverpools website.
We are for sure not the favourites in this round, but in the last eight there are not a lot of favourites -- maybe two of them, Bayern and Barcelona -- but thank God its football and nothing is decided.
The tie will be the first meeting between Premier League sides in the Champions League quarter-finals since 2010-11 when Manchester United beat Chelsea.
Facing another English team gives the clash added spice and Klopp is relishing the occasion.
Runaway leaders City are 21 points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool, but Klopp hopes the frenzied atmosphere at Anfield on another big European night will prove a key factor.
City are chasing their first European Cup and the clubs director of football Txiki Begiristain admits Liverpool will pose a significant obstacle.
