JURGEN KLOPP admits Liverpool are “not the favourites” to beat Manchester City but their Champions League last-eight opponents will not be delighted with the draw either.
The Premier League giants were drawn together in a mouth-watering quarter-final that fans into meltdown.
The Reds manager also admitted he is “angry” that the Everton clash on April 8 has been moved to an early kick-off
Liverpool are the only side to beat Pep Guardiola‘s men in the top-flight this season, despite previously suffering a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of the Cityzens in September.
And despite City’s huge lead at the top of the table, Klopp is looking forward to trying to topple the seemingly unstoppable Etihad outfit in Europe’s prestige competition.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com immediately after the draw, he said: “I’ve said it before and it’s still the truth, it’s always common in a draw that you’ll get your neighbour, more or less, but to be honest I don’t mind, really.
“It is exactly like it was before – we take what we’ve got. Now it’s Manchester City, let’s go.
“We’ve lost once and we’ve won once against them in the league – and I don’t think they thought before the best draw they could have got is Liverpool. That’s a sign for us and how strong we can be.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN Liverpool v City Champions League draw gets pulses racing
“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 it’s football and nothing is decided.
“We have a few games to play until then, but I am really looking forward to it and we will give it everything.”
He added: “I think it’s a dream draw… for Manchester United fans!”
The first match will be played at Anfield on April 4, with the Reds then travelling to Manchester for the decider on Tuesday April 10.
LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS
And Klopp is not too concerned that his men will not have home advantage in the second-leg.
He said: “In this case, it’s not too important. For us, it’s completely normal. We can get a result at home for sure, but it’s obviously a difficult game – but good news for both teams.
“It is like it is should be in the last eight. It was clear we would face a strong team. Now we have Man City.
“The good thing is they are the team we know most about. It’s not too cool for England because now only one team can go to the semis. But we will try everything.”
Anfield is famed for its special European nights, and Klopp believes that the club’s fans will provide another magical atmosphere when the two lock horns next month.
He added: “100 per cent! We are already looking forward to that. And it’s a nice, short trip for our supporters when we go to City.
“I know our away fans are fantastic, so that will be a great atmosphere as well.
“They are two really good games and a big challenge for both sides – but, that’s like it should be.”
On the Everton game being moved, he added: “I am already angry because the Premier League will move EFC game to 12.30pm on Saturday.
“I only heard it a second ago. Not too cool.”
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Barcelona v Roma
Sevilla v Bayern Munich
Juventus v Real Madrid
Liverpool v Manchester City
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