With his Liverpool side gearing up to face Villarreal at El Madrigal on Thursday, Jurgen Klopp has warned against complacency, dismissing claims that the Reds are more experienced than their opponents from Spain.
Despite their disappointing domestic season, Liverpool have the opportunity to take a step closer to their first piece of silverware under new manager Jurgen Klopp when they take on Villarreal in the the semi-final of the Europa League. The Reds defeated a strong Borussia Dortmund side in an emphatic 4-3 victory in the previous round to progress to the semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate score.
Ahead of the first leg at El Madrigal, Klopp dismissed claims that Liverpool are a more experienced side and thus favourites against the Yellow Submarine.
“Experience is not to buy or talk about, it’s to get and use. But if you use experience in the wrong way then it’s b******,” he said, according to Goal.
“Thinking about the result is not one per cent for preparation of the game. It is always about the performance.
“When I came in October, Basel wasn’t a real thing to think about, now it’s not far away. Villarreal have made lot of good decisions to be here. We should not hope they only make bad decisions.”
Restoring the European legacy
Liverpool were a dominant force in Europe in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. They have more European Cups than any other team in England and even though Klopp’s men are competing for the Europa League, the club will be keen to add to the trophy cabinet.
The Reds also have three UEFA Cups to their name — the predecessor to the modern day Europa League — as well as 3 UEFA Super Cups. A triumph in this season’s Europa League would be a first continental trophy for Jurgen Klopp however, with all his previous successes coming in German domestic football.
Meanwhile, Villarreal are no pushovers themselves. They currently sit fourth in the La Liga and boast talents like former Barcelona man Denis Suarez and veteran striker Roberto Soldado.
