Reds are contenders again, insists Klopp

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Liverpool boss sets sights on retaining Euro crown

Jurgen Klopp wants to consign Liverpool’s Champions League success last season to history as he focuses on winning the competition again.

The holders return to the scene of last June’s final victory over Tottenham tonight as they face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Reds are already well on course to win the Premier League title, as they lead the table by 25 points, and manager Klopp has his eye on further glory in this year’s showpiece in Istanbul. He said: “We don’t feel like the winners of last year’s tournament, we feel like contenders for this year’s, and we want to show that.

“We want to be there in Istanbul if possible, and for that we know we have to work our socks off.”

Klopp feels he has his work cut out against Atletico who, despite a difficult season in Laliga, retain the toughness of their manager Diego Simeone.

Atletico are fourth after winning just one of their last five games but Klopp is full of admiration for Simeone, who has twice guided his side to the final.

Klopp said: “Playing Atletico I would say is one of the most difficult things in the life of a football player.

“They are really well organised – a results machine, squeezing results pretty much out of each game if possible.

“Yes, people will tell me that this year is not like it was, but it’s a transition period. They are still fighting with all they have, you don’t get many chances. If there’s one team where you have to be at your absolute best, it’s Atletico.

“They give you absolutely no presents. If you work as hard as possible, you have a chance. If you don’t do that, you have no chance.

“The moment you are not 100% concentrated, they close you down with two or three players and then counterattack.”

The Anfield side have no fresh injury concerns. Striker Sadio Mane came through unscathed after coming off the bench to score on his return to action against Norwich at the weekend.

Midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile Brazil forward Neymar has been named in the Paris St-germain squad for the last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund tonight in Germany.

The former Santos and Barcelona player has missed the last four games with a rib injury.