Champions League Draw: Don't think Mr Simeone is happy he got Liverpool, says Klopp

Both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will expect a tough, "intense" Champions League last-16 encounter, says The Reds gaffer Jurgen Klopp.

Published : Dec 16, 2019 21:16 IST

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone
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Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone

Jurgen Klopp acknowledged Liverpool has a tough Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid, but he pointed out opposite number Diego Simeone would be disappointed to face the holder.

Liverpool topped its group ahead of Napoli and its bid for a second consecutive European crown takes it back to the Wanda Metropolitano - the scene of last season's final - to face dangerous La Liga giant Atletico.

Klopp suggested he anticipated a return to Madrid, while recognition of a testing fixture was tempered by the strength of a last-16 draw containing only clubs from Europe's 'top five' leagues.

ALSO READ | UCL Draw as it happened

"It's an interesting draw," Klopp told his club's official website. "Before the draw, I actually thought it would be Madrid - either one of the two clubs - and that's the way it is.

"Madrid is the place where we only have fantastic memories, all of us, so that's great, but this time we play Atletico there and it's their home ground.

"It's a tough one, but if you go through all of the draws, there are pretty much four or five potential finals already in the last 16.

ALSO READ | UCL draw: Manchester City faces Real Madrid in last-16

"So, really, really good; a good draw, a difficult game like it should be, but I don't think Mr Simeone is running through his living room and is happy that he got Liverpool.

"It will be a tough game. Two teams who are used to playing intense football. Different styles and slightly different organisation, of course, but both are ready for intensity and that makes it pretty tough for both."

Reflecting on the draw as a whole, which saw Premier League rival Manchester City paired with 13-time champion Real Madrid, Klopp added: "I think I said last time that it is somehow the strongest ever last 16 or last eight, but it looks like it becomes stronger and stronger every year."

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