Liverpool vs Bayern Munich - Champions League (Round of 16)

[labourRed]

Might be a pie in the sky, but `I reckon Klopp may go with a 3-5-2 against Munich - Fab and Hendo next to Matip, full backs push on with Gini and Shaq in the middle. Front 3 as is

Nailed it in seven words.

[BobTheCharmer]

I can't imagine a big game without Virgil.

[Liverpool]

I can't imagine a big game without Virgil.

feels like we've become quite spoilt with riches when it comes him, Alisson and Robertson.

Going into games with Mignolet, Matip, Lovren, Moreno used to be the norm

Almost wiped out my memory of us before Virg.

[Mark79]

Might be a pie in the sky, but `I reckon Klopp may go with a 3-5-2 against Munich - Fab and Hendo next to Matip, full backs push on with Gini and Shaq in the middle. Front 3 as is

There’s no way we’d play Shaq +1 as central midfield. That’d be madness against Huddersfield, never mind Bayern!

[Cormack74]

Let's hope he dislikes it even more after Tuesday:

https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/arjen-robben-anfield-220061

Arjen Robben names Liverpool's ground Anfield as his least favourite stadium to play in.

Bayern Munich take on Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night in the first leg of their Champions League tie, but their talismanic winger Arjen Robben has admitted that it is his least favourite stadium - at least in terms of coming and playing there as opposition.

In an interview with the Guardian, Robben said “I think, if you ask [about] the worst stadium for me, it’s probably Liverpool. You always have your favourite opponent and there always has to be a negative one.”

He also acknowledged that it was 'the worst possible draw' for Bayern when the fixture was announced.

Robben suffered two heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exits at Anfield whilst playing for Chelsea in 2004/05 and 2006/07. The first came through the infamous Luis Garcia 'ghost goal' that will live long in the memory for Blues fans, the second through a penalty shoot-out in which his spot-kick was saved by Pepe Reina.

Interestingly, Robben notes the difference he sees between the current Liverpool team under Jurgen Klopp and the Rafa Benitez-led side he faced over a decade ago, which he believes didn't have the same strength in depth to consistently challenge on all fronts and match their impressive Champions League runs with a substantial Premier League title challenge.

“At that time [Liverpool] were really capable of being this cup fighter team, also in the FA Cup or [League] Cup,” he explained. “In one or two games they could really live up to it and perform; just not the whole season, which was maybe too much."

He doesn't, however, think this is the case with the Reds this season, who look to be the real deal, even if they do fall short of a first league title in 28 years.

“Now I think it changed and they developed really well. The manager has done a great job. Last year they were in the Champions League final and at the moment they are top [of the Premier League]. It’s a long, long time ago that they won the league and that’s the one they’re dreaming of," he told the Guardian.

It is Robben's tenth and final season with the Bavarian club and he will be hoping to add another European title to his winner's medal from 2012/13, although judging from his comments, he knows that even getting over this first knockout hurdle won't come easy.

[Irishnev]

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[Norbs]

Kuntz

[vlahka]

NT/SA Time: 20th Feb at 6:30am

Top bloke

But correct time for us would be 5:30 No daylight savings here.

[Fosterbloke]

Top bloke

But correct time for us would be 5:30 No daylight savings here.

You're in NT?

[brightred]

I love the German sense of humour. They're a funny race.

[danperkins]

I love the German sense of humour. They're a funny race.

[Yozza]

'Maybe we achieved a little bit more than expected, Bayern maybe a bit less'

Jurgen Klopp is asked whether he sees any similarities with his Liverpool side and opponents Bayern Munich.

“No, we had different targets at the start of the season," he said.

“They were six-times in a row champion. We have maybe achieved a little bit more than expected, Bayern maybe a bit less.

“Both are in a similar situation but there is a long way to go. We only think about the Champions League situation tomorrow night.

“If I wasn’t involved tomorrow I would try and buy a ticket.”


'Bayern are dangerous' - Klopp

Klopp on Bayern Munich: “When [Bayern] Munich has a difficult situation it’s mooring on a really high level.

“After being six years the dominator of the league it was clear this year would be different.

“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 the situation.

“From my point of view that makes them even more dangerous.

“Let’s enjoy the game together. We are a really strong side and that is what we have to show.”


'We need to be ready for a tough few months'

Klopp on Liverpool's fixture list: “We have only tough months in the season.

“We have to be ready but be focused 100% on the game tomorrow night.

"We take it game by game. We can't think about [Manchester] United.

"We've had a lot of tough months, it's always tough. We need to be ready for it."


Shaqiri 'very happy' with Bayern draw

Speaking of Shaqiri...

The Reds winger, who spent two-and-a-half seasons at Bayern Munich, admitted his joy at facing the Bundesliga giants.

“I was very happy because I wanted to play against Bayern Munich, against my old teammates and my old team. I’m looking forward to the game,” Shaqiri told Liverpool's club website.

“It was an amazing time [at Bayern]. Two-and-a-half years I was there and it was amazing; we won a lot of titles, we won the Champions League. We had the best team Bayern Munich had.

“It was an amazing feeling to win so many trophies. I had many great memories there, I will never forget them. I’m really looking forward to going there and trying to win the game in Munich with my team.”


Liverpool injury news

Klopp has provided a fitness update on Dejan Lovren and Xherdan Shaqiri.

Klopp on injuries: "You want the complete line up? Dejan we have to see. Yesterday he had a clearing session. We'll see how he reacted. Shaq trained and looked good."

[Yozza]

'The story so far is nice but it's not finished yet'

Jurgen Klopp has just been asked about his love for Liverpool and the city.

“Very much. Much more than I could have expected because you never know.

“The welcome was outstanding and since then it became better and better.

“We grew together and developed together.

“I’m not always in the city very much so I’m not sure what people say about me but I feel it in the stadium is very positive.

“We are a real competitor. It’s not enough but a very important step.

“The story so far is a nice one but not finished - yet.”


'We don’t care about a home advantage' - Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has now given his thoughts on whether the Reds have a home advantage.

“No, playing home first is not usually an advantage but we don’t care," Klopp told the press.

“These games usually when two good teams face each other will not be decided in one game.

“We respect the competition. There are two legs to play. We will be 100% focused for both of them.

“Let’s create a basis we can use in the second game. It’s different but possible.”


'We'll try everything to not let Hummels and Lewandowski shine'

Klopp on Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski:“I worked together with these boys. Two fantastic players.

“I have to be really thankful. Without them probably my career would not be the same.

“We all benefited from each other. That’s part of my life and part of my history. We’ll always have a lot of respect for each other.

“I know a lot about them. I really like them. We will try everything to, what can I say? To let them not shine.”

[Yozza]

'For the fans, it's clear the priority is the Premier League'

The Liverpool boss has now been asked whether his focus is on the Champions League or the Premier League.

“It’s difficult for me to answer the question but for all Liverpool fans it’s the Premier League. That’s clear," he revealed.

“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."

On the Anfield atmosphere: “We have to create an atmosphere on the pitch tomorrow and make it easier for the people.

“It will be outstanding tomorrow night. It’s something to enjoy. There’s a lot of power involved in the atmosphere.

“Our crowd is really able to push us from 100% to 140%”

[marcus50bucks]

Lovren and Firmino miss training this afternoon. Firmino has a virus according to ssn.