RB Leipzig were branded as formidable opponents by Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp as the Merseysiders were drawn against the Bundesliga outfit in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League following Monday’s draw.
The Reds had a fairly easy journey into the knockout stages of the competition, however, RB Leipzig, last season’s semi-finalists, had to endure a crunch final group stage fixture against Manchester United, defeating Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s men 3-2 to seal their fate into the further stages of the European club tournament.
In his pre-match interview ahead of Tottenham Hotspurs visiting Anfield on Wednesday in league action, Klopp admitted that he had been sure of the Reds drawing either of the two German clubs in the fray, Borussia Mönchengladbach or RB Leipzig, with the former setting up their meeting against Manchester City.
“Pretty much as tough as it gets,” said the Reds gaffer, as quoted by the club’s official website.
“I was pretty sure we would get one of the Germany teams – either ‘Gladbach or Leipzig, both are strong.
“Leipzig played in the semi-final last year and this year look good again. In a very difficult, tricky group they went through and says pretty much everything about them, outstanding.
“I think because they played in the semi-final last year, probably English people now know them better but usually it is like, ‘Liverpool are big favourites’ – but it will be a tough one.
“It is the last 16 of the Champions League, so how can you find 15 other clubs who are not strong in Europe when you play in this competition? It is not possible.
“So, that’s the draw, we take it. It’s still a long time until we meet them, a lot of games to play between now and then, a lot of things can happen, but I am excited.
“I never played against Leipzig – they came up to the Bundesliga after I left, so I have never been in their stadium, but it is a wonderful city and let’s see.”
With the last-16 of the Champions League not being scheduled until mid-February 2021, Premier League action is prioritised by Klopp’s side for now following last weekend’s disappointing showing away at Fulham.
A lacklustre performance by the defending champions could only secure a point from their travel to Craven Cottage as a second-half penalty by Mohammad Salah levelled the scoreline after the hosts had taken an early lead.
