Premier League title before Euro glory for Reds fans, says Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has no doubt Liverpool fans would prefer winning the Premier League to the Champions League ahead of their European tie with Bayern Munich.

The Reds, who were last crowned English top-flight champions in 1990, are second in their domestic league on goal difference behind Manchester City, who have played one game more.

A trip to fierce rivals Manchester United awaits on Sunday but the Merseyside outfit’s immediate focus is tonight’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayern at Anfield.

Klopp knows what his club’s supporters would choose if they had to decide between the two competitions, but the Reds boss is determined to target victory in both.

“It’s difficult for me to answer the question, but if you would have to decide, for all Liverpool fans it is the Premier League, that is clear, we know that,” Klopp said at his prematch press conference yesterday.

“But now we play Champions League and I think we all expect we will do our best tomorrow night. And thank God we don’t have to make that decision.

“The only thing we can do is give it our all and play very passionate, lively football, the football people expect when they come to Anfield.

“We expect a good atmosphere but we know about the part we have to play. But it will be outstanding tomorrow night.

“I have experienced it now a couple of times, that our crowd is really able to push us from 100 to 120, 130, 140%.

“It happened here from time to time, and hopefully tomorrow night again.”

Tuesday’s game against Klopp’s old rivals Bayern – the Bundesliga champions for the last six years, who are currently second behind Dortmund – kicks off a huge few weeks for Liverpool.

Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford is followed by a midweek home game with Watford before an away derby against Everton on Sunday March 3.

“We have to be focused 100% on the game tomorrow night, otherwise we don’t have a chance, Klopp said.

“It’s always tough – we have to be ready for that.”

Liverpool go into the first leg with key man Virgil Van Dijk suspended, while Dejan Lovren (hamstring) is a doubt and Joe Gomez (broken leg) is out. Midfielder Fabinho could join Joel Matip in central defence.