Diego: We can cause Kop pain
LIVERPOOL have urged fans to take extra precautions amid growing fears about the risk of coronavirus spreading from Madrid.
More than 2,500 Atletico supporters are expected for tonight’s Champions League clash at Anfield.
That is despite the Spanish government outlawing those same fans from attending matches in Atletico’s own stadium, or travelling to rival grounds within the country, as all La Liga games have been ordered to take place behind closed doors.
Authorities reacted after a major outbreak centred on Madrid, with an infection rate growing faster there than anywhere else in the world over the past few days.
Cases have doubled in little more than 24 hours, and almost 50 per cent of those infected are in the Spanish capital.
There have been 35 deaths in the country, a rate that increased massively in the past 24 hours, sparking concerns many travelling fans could be bringing the deadly virus through major UK transport hubs, before mingling in Liverpool. A Liverpool source suggested the club approached the government to see if they will act in the same way as in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Austria and curtail travel from virus hotspots.
The Liverpool FC website last night issued an urgent bulletin, detailing guidelines for the game and asking fans to take extra precautions. Hand sanitisers have been put in all washrooms at Anfield and official medical advice posted throughout the stadium, while there will be extra measures in place on match day.
A club statement read: “We will continue to take the best advice from the relevant authorities and will update supporters with any further developments.”
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp (above) said: “It’s not about me as a manager but about me as a human being. There are some things more important than football. We realise this in this moment.
“Whatever is decided we will respect. We all have families, parents, kids, friends, who we want to do well. For that it’s clear we will accept that.”
DIEGO SIMEONE insists his Atletico Madrid team will show the defensive resilience needed to dump Liverpool out tonight.
The Argentine admitted there will be no surprises how his side will set up as they look to defend a 1-0 lead at Anfield from their Champions League first leg.
He said: “Defensive resilience is one of our qualities. It is a solid quality.
“I think Liverpool know how we will play after eight years of being here. We have to keep what we can during the game.
“Some managers will say, ‘We are going to get forward’. That would be a nice, pleasant dream. It will be a tough opponent with lots of ways of hurting you in attack.
“Experiences in life always help you, but you have to make sure you don’t repeat mistakes.
“The game will demand that we are on top form. We think we can hurt them.”
Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit in last year’s semi-final to beat another Spanish side, Barcelona, at Anfield. And Simeone is well aware of how the atmosphere can be an advantage for the Reds.
“I’ve never played here as a manager or player, but it is an amazing stadium and you can tell on the TV the fans are amazing at getting behind their side,” added Simeone, who will make a late fitness check on ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata (above).
“They have had some historic results here, turning matches around, great comebacks.”