MADRID:
Jurgen Klopp said on Tuesday his Liverpool side may only have a one per cent chance of beating Real Madrid to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, but they will try to take advantage of it.
The manager admitted his side’s promotion hopes had been dashed in their first leg, which they lost 5-2 to the European champions at Anfield in February.
However, Klopp says he has changed his mind slightly and, while no one in his side believes it, they are looking forward to a repeat of last season’s final in the Spanish capital.
“I said three weeks ago, Madrid went to the next stage with their result, now we’re here three weeks later and we know we have a game to play,” Klopp told a press conference.
“If there’s even a one percent chance, I want to try it. We are here to play a very strong opponent and win the game tomorrow.
“No matter how hard it is, it’s not impossible, but it’s possible. That’s what we’re here for, and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Six-time champions Liverpool have enjoyed a spectacular and ridiculous run of results in recent weeks, thrashing Manchester United 7-0 in the Premier League before losing 1-0 to Bournemouth late last week.
Expected to challenge for the title, Klopp’s side have languished in mid-table at times this season but are now aiming for a top-four finish.
“If we can surprise ourselves in a negative way, we have to surprise ourselves in a positive way,” the German coach said.
“But it’s clear that we’re telling Madrid here, ‘Watch out, we’re coming!’ We don’t say that! “Our situation is not like that.”
A record 14-time winners and masters of European comebacks, Madrid were comfortable with another two-goal win at Anfield.
Klopp says their mentality is a key strength for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who are looking to win an incredible sixth Champions League in 10 years.
“Madrid smell blood, they don’t lose belief or confidence when they lose 2-0, which is a great skill for this team,” added Klopp.
“They’ve won so much over the last few years that there’s nothing to ‘excite’ them in a negative way, which is something to admire.”
Despite his team’s attacking quality, the German coach admitted that scoring three goals at the Santiago Bernabeu was a big challenge.
“I can’t sit here and say it’s not difficult to score three goals, of course it’s a problem. And it’s possible only if we don’t concede three goals, which is even more unlikely,” Klopp said.
“If I was sitting on the left side of the table I would see the same – Liverpool have no chance.
“That means we’re on our own, with a little faith. With a chance, not doing it. We’ll try tomorrow, we’ll see.”
