‘Crowd can take Liverpool 'from 100% to 140%'- Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool
manager Jurgen Klopp believes the Anfield crowd can take his side "from
100% to 140%" as they host Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16.
The first
leg against the Bundesliga champions takes place on Tuesday, with the Reds in
Munich on 13 March.
"We
have to create an atmosphere on the pitch and make it easier for the
people," said Klopp.
"It
will be outstanding. It's something to enjoy - there's a lot of power involved
in the atmosphere."
A 1-0
win against Napoli ensured Liverpool finished runners-up to Paris
St-Germain in Group C, while Niko Kovac's Munich progressed as Group E winners.
"Playing
home first is not usually an advantage but we don't care," said Klopp.
"There
are two legs to play. Let's create a basis we can use in the second game.
"Our
crowd is really able to push us from 100% to 140%."
Former
Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp had numerous battles with Munich during his
seven seasons in the Bundesliga.
Munich, who
have won six successive league titles, trail leaders Dortmund by two points in
the league, however, having played one game more.
"After
being six years the dominator of the league, it was clear this year would be
different," said Klopp.
"To
become the champion you need to have the desire of a newcomer combined with the
quality of a real contender.
"Maybe
at the start of the season they didn't have that but now they are chasing. From
my point of view that makes them even more dangerous."
Liverpool
sit second in the Premier League and will have the chance to move top when they
face bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Klopp says
the prospect of a first league title since 1990 is not in his thoughts as he
prepares for the club's European commitments, as injuries and Virgil van Dijk's
suspension look likely to force either Fabinho or Jordan Henderson to act as a
makeshift centre-back in midweek.
"We
have only tough months in the season. We've had a lot of tough months, it's
always tough," said Klopp.
"We
take it game by game. We can't think about [Manchester] United. We are a really
strong side and that is what we have to show.
"It's
difficult for me to answer the question but for all Liverpool fans it's the
Premier League. That's clear.
"But
for now it's the Champions League and we have to do our best tomorrow. Thank
God we don't have to decide that right now."
FROM .bbc.com/sport/football/
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