Jurgen Klopp tags Liverpool-Villareal tie as special

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has tagged his teams’ UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance and first leg clash with Villarreal at Anfield stadium on Wednesday as a special fixture.

This will be the third time that Jurgen Klopp will be leading Liverpool to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after losing to Real Madrid in 2018 before beating Barcelona in 2019 on their way to the title.

Liverpool finished in the round of sixteen and quarter-finals in the two seasons that followed, albeit they stand a chance this time to add to their UEFA Champions League titles.

The Reds are in good form after beating Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at the weekend, even though they needed to score two late goals before securing the victory.

They are also still in the race for the quadruple after winning the Carabao Cup, getting to the final of the FA Cup, and also sitting just one point behind Manchester City, who tops the Premier League table.

“Each game should feel like a final; It is absolutely special to be a part of the semi-final. It’s crazy. It’s a massive game. So many coaches and players work their socks off their whole life and don’t get a chance to be close to a semi-final. We are there, so we have to cherish it and enjoy it as well.” Klopp said.

Jurgen Klopp has led Liverpool to three semi-finals in the last five Champions League seasons. However, it will be a chance at revenge when they face Villarreal, who are coached by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery.

Emery was in charge of Sevilla, who beat Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League in Klopp’s first season in charge of the Reds.

Liverpool’s only fitness concern is Brazilian Roberto Firmino, who is nursing a foot injury. Nevertheless, they would not be short on firepower with Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah all available.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu