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Title race question draws fury from Klopp in Munich
MUNICH, Germany, March 13, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Jurgen Klopp gave an angry response when
asked how defeat or victory in the Champions League on Wednesday at Bayern Munich
could impact Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
After a goalless draw in the last 16 first leg at Anfield three weeks ago, a win or
score draw in Munich in the return game would send Liverpool into the quarter-finals.
Liverpool are locked in a tense battle with Manchester City at the top of the Premier
League and their fans on Merseyside are desperate for a first English league title for
29 years.
An exasperated Klopp took offence when asked whether he felt defeat in Munich would
hamper Liverpool in the title race or if victory could help them build momentum in the
league.
“I really don’t think that any other coach or manager in the world has to answer this
question when he plays in the Champions League,” he fumed.
“I really think that’s unique — that only happens if you are the Liverpool manager
or if the pundits (asking) come from Manchester United.
“We want to be focused on this game and even if it (defeat) would harm us, we
couldn’t change it, the whole world will be watching this game tomorrow night.
“On the other side, it (victory) will build momentum, yes, but only if we play good
football.
“This game has nothing to do with anything else.”
Premier League pressure aside, Klopp knows his Liverpool side face a stern test
against a Bayern side buoyed by going top in the Bundesliga at the weekend for the
first time since September.
Liverpool welcome back defender Virgil van Dijk, who was suspended for the first leg,
but Naby Keita, who started the Anfield stalemate, is ruled out injured.
Bayern have won their three league games comfortably since the first leg, posting
crushing 5-1 and 6-0 victories over Moenchengladbach and Wolfsburg respectively.
Klopp tasted victory in four of his nine games at the Allianz Arena as Borussia
Dortmund coach from 2008-2015.
He knows what to expect in Bayern’s backyard and called on the travelling Liverpool
fans to lend their support.
“I’d say to ours (fans), don’t hesitate — give it your all,” said Klopp.
“We have to be ready from the first second and if we manage it, we’ll have deserved
it.
“What I know of facing Bayern is you have to be really brave on the ball, that’s
what we have to do, we will get our moments, but it’s all about striking a balance.
“Bayern defended in the first leg at a high level and they will not do that tomorrow,
but it will not be easier for us.”
BSS/AFP/AU/09:10 hrs