Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp believes that the Champions League round of sixteen tie with Inter will be a significant European matchup.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official site, the German tactician gave his thoughts on the pairing with the Nerazzurri after the official UEFA draw determined that his team will play Simone Inzaghi’s for a place in the quarterfinals.
The identity of Inter’s round of sixteen opponents was up in the air after improper procedure meant that the results of the first round of sixteen draw had to be voided.
The Nerazzurri initially believed that they would be facing Dutch champions Ajax in the first of the knockout rounds before a re-draw revealed that they would instead face Liverpool.
There are no straightforward matchups at this stage of Europe’s top competition, but the Nerazzurri will see the Reds, who are second in the Premier League table and in blistering form, as a particularly tough opponent.
Liverpool manager Klopp made clear that he also regards the Nerazzurri as a significant obstacle to the round of sixteen, and expects a high-quality affair between the two.
I had to wait 54 years to play at the San Siro for the first time… and now it’ll be twice in three months, so that’s good news!” he joked, referring to Liverpool’s recent group stage match against AC Milan.
He continued that “Of course, it is a tough draw, definitely. They are the league leaders in Italy; a good team in a good moment. We will see how things go until we meet in February.”
Of the Nerazzurri’s danger men, Klopp stated that “Obviously Sanchez and Dzeko we know well – and Lautaro Martinez is one of the most exciting strikers in the world, probably.”
“Simone Inzaghi is there, his first year, last year they were champions, but it is the Liverpool way – it’s never easy, but still possible, so let’s give it a go,” he added.
“It’s a proper Champions League tie,” Klopp stated, “so all good and I am absolutely looking forward to it.”
