Xherdan relishes clash against Bayern
IT MIGHT be an understatement to say Juergen Klopp is familiar with Bayern Munich.
Klopp’s Liverpool welcome the German champions to Anfield today to kick off their Champions League round-of-16 tie.
It’s a meeting of European heavyweights and a reunion of sorts for Klopp, who squared off with Bayern 29 times while manager at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.
“For me it’s nice, going to Germany,” he said. “We obviously know more about German football than about any other league, that’s true, but that doesn’t make a big, massive difference.
“In the end, the boys have to decide it on the pitch. Let’s give it a try.”
Klopp has faced Bayern more than any other club during his coaching career and though there have been more losses than wins, he has had his moments.
He guided Dortmund to backto-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, beating the Bavarians five straight times during that run, culminating in a sensational 5-2 German Cup final thrashing.
But Bayern got a bit of revenge with a 2-1 win in the 2013 Champions League Final and have ruled the German roost since by capturing the last six titles.
Klopp won’t be the only one in the Liverpool dugout renewing acquaintances.
Midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri spent time at Bayern earlier in his career and was on the bench during the 2013 European final.
The Swiss international was hoping the sides were drawn together and the football gods were listening.
“I was very happy because I wanted to play against my old teammates and my old team,” Shaqiri said.
“Two-and-a-half years I was there; we won a lot of titles, we won the Champions League. We had the best team Bayern Munich ever had.
“I had many great memories there, I will never forget them.”
Liverpool should be well rested as they didn’t play at the weekend after previously being knocked out of the FA Cup. Instead the Reds spent part of last week in Spain for what Klopp said was a successful warm-weather training camp.
And now its just a matter of putting the finishing touches on the preparations as the Reds look to take an advantage with them into next month’s return leg in Germany.
“We play them with all we have on Tuesday, I’m really looking forward to it,” Klopp said. “It will be a fantastic atmosphere.