Jurgen Klopp says Europa League final looked a long way off when he took over as Liverpool manager
Posted Thursday, April 28, 2016 by Thesun.co.uk
Jurgen Klopp was in a confident mood ahead of Liverpool's Europa League semi-final against Villarreal
JURGEN KLOPP claims he would never have dreamt of Liverpool making the Europa League semi-finals when he took over as boss.
Six months into his reign, Klopp’s Kop stars take on Villarreal on Thursday — and are just two games away from the final in Basel.
He said: "Of course when I came in October, Basel was not a real thing to think about but now it is not that far away so we could do it. We have only spoken about the semi-final.
Christian Benteke could be set for a place on the bench
"Nobody thinks we are halfway or something, we are here because we respect this tournament."
Christian Benteke, back after a knee problem, travelled with the team yesterday but will start on the bench with Daniel Sturridge keeping his place up front.
Klopp also confirmed that Liverpool are awaiting for news from Uefa disciplinary chiefs after Mamadou Sakho, 26, did not challenge the results of his failed drugs test.
He is likely to be hit with a six-month ban.
Klopp will have some big decisions to make regarding his starting line-up
Liverpool were put through their paces at El Madrigal
Klopp said: "What they are doing is collecting information to clear the situation as much as possible. Then we have to wait for the next steps."
Sakho tested positive for a type of fat burner after the Europa League win against Manchester United on March 17.
Kolo Toure is likely to take his place tonight, alongside Alberto Moreno who has certainly benefitted from former Kop boss Brendan Rodgers leaving the club.
He said: "Brendan did not count on me much but Mr Klopp has put the trust in me and I am going through one of the best periods of my career."
Klopp is hopeful of Europa League glory
As the celebrations started in the dressing room after their dramatic win over Borussia Dortmund, Moreno did an impression of Sky Sports’ Chris Kamara.
Asked to repeat it at last night’s press conference, Moreno shouted: "Unbelievable Jeff! Unbelievable Jeff!"
Moreno, 23, won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2014 before making the switch to Merseyside.
He added: "Now I want to try to win it with Liverpool."
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