Liverpool welcome Dortmund to Anfield for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter finals, which also marks the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Having played out a 1-1 draw at the Westfalenstadion last week, the away goal advantage will give Liverpool plenty of confidence going into the game. Dortmund, for their part, will look to cancel the away goal as quickly as possible and take control of the tie. With Hillsborough in the background and two sets of passionate fans cheering their respective teams, it promises to be a very emotional game.

Squad update

Liverpool will be without captain Jordan Henderson and Christian Benteke going into this tie. Klopp confirmed that there were no new injuries in his pre match press conference. In the first leg last week, Divock Origi was picked over Daniel Sturridge, and the striker justified the faith put in him by the manager. Speaking on who he would pick to lead the line this time, Klopp said “It’s not just about formation. We have different possibilities. No final decision until now. We have to make the decision. It’s not about how many strikers you have on the pitch. Wait until tomorrow!”

 

Liverpool FC v Stoke City FC

 

On Anfield’s European nights

The atmosphere is sure to be an emotional one, since match the will be played on the eve of the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. Speaking on the the iconic Anfield European nights, Klopp  said, “We had wonderful atmospheres, but best for sure was Man United. I don’t like atmospheres when they don’t get into the game. We have to do our job and be part of the atmosphere, show that we know what it is about.”

Liverpool vs Manchester United

Importance of the away goal

Liverpool have the advantage going into the tie, with an away goal courtesy of Divock Origi. When he was asked about its importance, he said that it makes a difference only if they get the right result in this game. He added, “It’s an open game. The crowd is more of an advantage than the away goal. Only at 0-0 is it an advantage.”

Squad Belief

Speaking about the belief and team spirit within his squad, “Together, we’ve developed a belief on the pitch which has helped. We’re in a better position now than six months ago. A large part is down to the consistency. A lot of teams would rather have played us four months ago than now! We’re in with a good chance tomorrow, and we have the ability and quality to reach the semi finals.”

FC Liverpool press conference

In what promises to be an emotional match, all niceties and camaraderie shall be set aside when the referee blows the whistle.Dortmund will look to leave Anfield with a victory after what they must consider a surprise draw last week in the first leg. Klopp is yet to lose with Liverpool in European competition and Dortmund will look to be the first to end their former manager’s good run tomorrow.

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