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Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is largely positive when speaking about his side’s changes against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
“It’s exciting, exciting. It’s obviously a tough draw but I am fine with it because if you look at all the other teams you think, ‘Oh my god’ because they are all strong and all have quality, that’s clear. I am really looking forward to the games.”
Klopp certainly has memories against Los Blancos, who defeated the Reds in his first Champions League final as Liverpool boss, but no ill will.
“It’s only just over two years ago that we faced them and it was a tough night for us, so to get the chance to play them again is cool.
“I know it’s a different round and whatever and we don’t know where we will play and stuff like this, but that’s all OK. If it will be Budapest, that’s fine. We are fine with that. The home game maybe hopefully at Anfield, that would be great as well.
“So, no, nothing bad to say – nothing bad to say actually, it’s just cool.”
While Klopp acknowledges the changes in this Real Madrid side when compared to the previous times he has faced them with Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, he does not want to underestimate the team.
“I think it’s the first time I [will have] faced them when Cristiano [Ronaldo] is not there; probably maybe the first time since [Gareth] Bale is not there. But obviously [Sergio] Ramos is still there, [Raphael] Varane still there, [Toni] Kroos still there, [Luka] Modric still there, Casemiro still there, [Dani] Carvajal still there, [Karim] Benzema still there.
“And a few young prospects, proper players on top of that. Again, I’m really looking forward to it.”
The two-legged tie will take place next month, with the away leg scheduled for April 6th and the home leg on April 14th.