Jurgen Klopp urges caution against depleted Real Madrid ahead of Champions League quarter-final
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Updated 13/04/2021 at 18:57 GMT
Liverpool are known for their Champions League comebacks and must overturn a 3-1 deficit against Real Madrid on Wednesday night. But while Real are missing key figures including captain Sergio Ramos, Klopp has urged caution against a side fresh off the back of an El Clasico victory against Barcelona
Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) congratulates Liverpool's English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 10, 2021.
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has urged caution against a depleted Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Anfield.
The Spanish Giants hold a 3-1 lead over Liverpool, but look a weaker side with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquez and Eden Hazard sidelined.
And while Liverpool have history with Champions League comebacks - overturning a 3-0 deficit against Barcelona in 2019 - Klopp remains cautious over the possibility of a fight back.
"When you are 3-1 down it looks like we are already out - it means we have not a lot to lose. The result showed they were better than us but it's only the first half," Klopp said.
"Football is football, anything is possible. We speak about results but for me, the performance is much more important. We have to play like ourselves.
"It's important to defend at your highest level with the ability Madrid have... Real beat Barcelona (in La Liga) after us so obviously they are in a good moment."
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Sergio Ramos is absent with injury
Image credit: Getty Images
With Madrid fresh off an El Clasico win despite their injuries, Klopp knows the Reds will go up against a highly motivated side in search of their fifth Champions League title in the last decade.
And with Zinedine Zidane at the helm, Klopp is taking nothing for granted.
"Real didn't win the competition so often with Zidane because they're not experienced. They have had an intense season and injuries, we are the same," Klopp added.
"The decisive part of the season is now and I'm 100% sure Real will be 100% ready, not how they felt straight after the Barca game.
"It's a difference to watch Real and play them. The individual quality of the players is really high if they want something desperately, as was the case (in the first leg)."
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