Jurgen Klopp said his Liverpool team might only have a one per cent chance of beating Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, but they would try to exploit that.
And the coach had admitted, after his team lost 5-2 in the first leg at Anfield last February, that his team’s hopes of progress had faded.
But Klopp said he changed his mind a little, and even if no one believes in his team, they are looking forward to the confrontation in the Spanish capital, which is a repeat of last season’s final.
Klopp said in a press conference, “I said three weeks ago, that Real Madrid, with their results, reached the next round, and now we are here after three weeks and we know that there is a match that we must play.”
“If there is only a one percent chance, I would like to give it a try. We are here to play a very tough opponent and try to win the game tomorrow.
“Although it is difficult, it is not likely, but it is possible. So, here we are, we will see where it leads us.”
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Liverpool, the six-time defending champion, has achieved an amazing and absurd performance in recent weeks, defeating rivals Manchester United 7-0 in the English Premier League, before losing 1-0 to relegation-threatened Bournemouth last week.
Klopp’s side, who are expected to fight for the title, have languished in mid-table at times this season, but are now aiming for fourth place.
“If we can surprise ourselves in a negative way, we must be able to surprise ourselves in a positive way as well,” said the German coach.
But obviously, we’re not here saying to Real Madrid, ‘Be careful, we’re coming! – This is not the situation we are in.
Real Madrid, 14-time winners and legend of European comebacks, came back from two goals down at Anfield to secure a comfortable victory.
Klopp said their way of thinking has been an important strength for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who are looking to win their sixth Champions League in 10 years.
Klopp added, “Real Madrid can absolutely smell the blood, and they don’t lose conviction or confidence when going 2-0 down, that’s a tremendous skill for the team.”
“They’ve won a lot in the last few years, and there’s nothing that can get them ‘excited’ in a negative way, and that’s something to be admired.”
Despite the attacking quality of his team, the German coach admitted that scoring three goals at the Santiago Bernabéu was a huge challenge.
“I can’t sit here and say that three goals is not a problem, of course it is a problem. Three would only be possible if we didn’t concede, which makes it even more unlikely,” Klopp said.
“If I were sitting on this side of the table, I would see the same thing – no chance for Liverpool.
“It means we are alone, with a bit of faith. In coincidence, don’t do it. We’ll try tomorrow, we’ll see.”
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