Liverpool vs Villarreal - Klopp hopes to show fruits of Liverpool overhaul

Posted Thursday, May 05, 2016 by PA

Jurgen Klopp believes seven months of evolution since his arrival has turned around Liverpool's season and set them up for a pivotal Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal.

Liverpool have battled inconsistency since Klopp's appointment as they adjust to his methods, but he reckons they have the quality required to reach the final, despite carrying a 1-0 deficit from the first leg

"In October Liverpool changed their manager. That's not the sign of a perfect situation," said the German, who replaced Brendan Rodgers seven months ago.

"Something went wrong before then. After the change we didn't change everything immediately, we developed.

"We still had problems - injuries. We played sometimes really good, sometimes not that good, but only two really bad games - Watford and Swansea.

"This team has built consistency step by step, this good shape and good moment we should use.

"These players gave me a lot of positive signs about their qualities and quality is always potential plus talent plus attitude. That is really good.

"If we play our best then we can go to the final."

Liverpool have been boosted by the ahead-of-schedule return of midfielder Emre Can from ankle ligament damage, although captain Jordan Henderson remains out with a knee injury.

Klopp has to decide whether to start up front with Daniel Sturridge or stick with Roberto Firmino, as he did in Spain last week.

Villarreal manager Marcelino tried to ramp up the pressure on Liverpool by claiming striker Christian Benteke cost as much as the Spanish club's turnover last season.

The Reds' second-most expensive ever signing is only likely to be on the bench on Thursday but that did not stop the Yellow Submarine boss using him to attack his opponents.

"Liverpool as a club have an extraordinary squad of footballers when you consider Benteke cost 50million euros (about B#39.5million - he actually cost B#32.5m), which equates to the whole turnover of Villarreal as a club," he said.

"We come here full of hope, we are going to give everything we have got and we will enjoy ourselves.

"Our main aim is to be competitive. We feel we have the capabilities we can make it through to the final

"This group of players needs to be proud of what they have achieved as we are already qualified for the Champions League.

"This is an occasion to be celebrated. In no way whatsoever will we be affected negatively by the atmosphere, if anything we will be affected positively and galvanised by it.

"We will suffer at moments in the game, we will find it tough but we can cause them trouble.

"The game will be decided by the team who are more assured at key moments in the game."