Klopp urges Reds to have faith against Dortmund
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Article summary
Liverpool are halfway there after a vital away goal last week, and Jürgen Klopp is urging his players to be brave as they host a Dortmund team yet to lose in 2016.
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Article body
- Liverpool host Dortmund in the quarter-finals, with the tie 1-1 after the first leg
- Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp won two Bundesliga titles as Dortmund coach
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 15 UEFA home games against German sides
- The Bundesliga club are 18 matches unbeaten in 2016
- Semi-final draw streamed live from Nyon at 12.30CET on Friday 15 April
Possible lineups
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Allen, Can, Milner; Lallana, Coutinho; Origi.
Out: Henderson (knee), Benteke (knee), Rossiter (hamstring), Ings (knee), Gomez (knee)
Doubtful: none
Misses next match if booked: Moreno, Lovren, Clyne, Coutinho, Firmino
Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Hummels, Sokratis, Schmelzer; Weigl, Gündogan, Mkhitaryan, Castro, Reus; Aubameyang.
Out: Subotić (arm)
Doubtful: none
Misses next match if booked: S Bender, Sokratis
Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager
This is a time when you can't make a mistake as a manager. I have no idea what it is like for Dortmund but we have a great chance. We are looking to go further. Being brave is one of most important things in football. We have enough quality to get through to the semi-finals.
We certainly won't be flying a white flag. Dortmund can play better but so can we. They have been at the top of the Bundesliga all season. You have to look at the type of football they play and it is very good. There is no reason to expect that to change.
Thomas Tuchel, Dortmund coach
It is very exciting to be here. I feel like a little kid! The team, though, are very calm. Everyone knows the Kop. Everyone knows the history. Everyone knows the stars and the red shirts.
I don't care too much about the first leg, I don't think it will be decisive. We are here to attack – we are here to score goals, to take the risks and to enjoy the game. We are not here to explore our boundaries, we are here to explore our potential.
Origi has played very well, we know his qualities. Sturridge is also very dangerous. It is a difficult decision for Jürgen who he will opt for – but we are prepared for both.
Weekend results
Liverpool 4-1 Stoke City (Moreno 8, Sturridge 32, Origi 50 65; Bojan 22)
Schalke 2-2 Dortmund (Sané 51, Huntelaar 66pen; Kagawa 49, Ginter 56)
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Liverpool: WDDLDW
Dortmund: DDWWWW
Reporter's view: Daniel Thacker (@UEFAcomDanielT)
If Liverpool's defence can produce a similar performance to last week's first leg then the Reds have every chance of a last-four berth. Dortmund's UEFA Europa League away record this term (W5 D1 L1) will allow Tuchel's side to approach this one bullishly, though, and the visitors can call on Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, both of whom will be raring to go after starting on the bench at the weekend.
Did you know?
Liverpool are unbeaten in 15 UEFA home games against German teams (W12 D3). The Reds are the only club to make it from the start of the group stage to matchday 11 unbeaten, with four victories and seven draws. Read more in our match background.