Liverpool got an incredibly tough draw in the Europa League this past Friday, with the Reds drawn against Jurgen Klopp’s former side Borussia Dortmund. The German manager is thrilled with the draw however, and claims it’s “a story only football can write”, according to Goal.
Liverpool fans may not be too happy with the draw, as Dortmund are arguably the strongest team left in the competition. They positively dismantled Tottenham in the last round, and it really did seem to be a case of a Champions League team up against Europa League opposition.
Their manager is clearly delighted though, and believes both sides will be happy with the chance to test themselves against top teams.
“I am really happy with the draw. Yesterday I said why should I wish [to get] the strongest team in the tournament, but obviously if you want to win the Europa League, and when you are in the quarter-final, then you have to beat the strongest teams,” he said.
“It is better to play against them in two games than in only one game. I am really happy to introduce my new team to Dortmund. I am really happy to show the boys this wonderful stadium and a great city.
“It’s a story only football can write. We’re all happy. The games against Manchester United were two great, great games and now against Dortmund.
“Going to Dortmund and playing in Dortmund is one of the best things you can do in football. And then, they are all 100 per cent looking forward to coming to Anfield. It’s football at its best and how it should be. Everybody is looking forward to it. Then, two really intensive games and it’s good.”
It’s highly possible that the winner of this tie could go on to lift the trophy, as you’d certainly argue that they are two of the strongest teams left in the competition. With the nature of European football it’s obviously rare that you can accurately predict the final outcome, but if Liverpool were to beat Dortmund over two legs then they’d be unlikely to fear the remaining teams in the competition all that much.
That’s not meant to detract from the likes of Villarreal or Shakhtar Donetsk, but Dortmund have shown that they are a top quality team this season, and put last season’s blip well behind them. They are well on their way to being back in the Champions League, and with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line they are an unbelievable goal threat.
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Klopp endured an up and down start to his Liverpool career, but has slowly started to get the best out of his players recently. Dortmund are sure to be favourites heading into the first leg, but you certainly can’t write Liverpool off.