EUROPA Liverpool seek European boost

Paris, Feb. 24: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted he will not be viewing Thursday’s Europa League clash with Augsburg as an unwelcome distraction despite the game coming less than 72 hours before the League Cup final.

Klopp has the chance to lift a first piece of silverware as Anfield boss when the Reds face Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday, but he is keen for European progress as well.

The last-32 tie against the Germans remains finely poised after last week’s first leg in Bavaria ended goalless, so Liverpool need to be especially wary not to concede an away goal.

A strong Liverpool side took to the field in the first leg and Klopp hinted later that a similar lineup would run out for the return.

“A strong a team in second leg? Yes. I think so, maybe it’ll be a different team, but we should not think too much about the final,” said the former Borussia Dortmund coach.

The Reds’ last-32 tie against FC Augsburg remains finely poised after last week’s first leg in Bavaria ended goalless, so Liverpool need to be especially wary not to concede an away goal at Anfield on Thursday

“We should concentrate on Thursday, and Sunday will take care of itself.”

Their opponents travel to north-west England missing a host of players due to injury, including key midfielder Markus Feulner, who has a broken cheekbone, important playmaker Daniel Baier (ankle) and also burly striker Raul Bobadilla.

Elsewhere, the pressure remains on beleaguered manager Louis van Gaal as Manchester United attempt to overturn a 1-2 first-leg deficit when they welcome Danish champions Midtjylland to Old Trafford.

— AFP