Klopp focuses on Europa League success

Stewart was expected to make his European debut for the club in their UEFA Europa League Last 32 first-leg clash with FC Augsburg on Thursday night, despite being unregistered, but was unable to fly out to Germany because of his injury.

What happened the last time the sides met? In fact the Europa League could take precedence over the league if one or two more results go against Liverpool domestically.

While he is looking forward to returning home, Klopp is focused on the job in hand. I didn’t actually flee from Germany!

“Their manager said it would be better for them if Liverpool had another (non-German) manager because they would never have been to Augsburg”.

“The stadium would have already been full”.

Klopp’s message has been received by his players, with the full-back Nathaniel Clyne saying Liverpool are seeking to build momentum following Sunday’s 6-0 mauling of Aston Villa and having qualified from the group stage of the Europa League unbeaten. Although Liverpool’s next domestic match is the Capital One Cup final, Klopp included key players like Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho in his travelling squad.

Valencia’s 2-1 comeback victory at home to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday eased some of the pressure on Neville, the former Manchester United and England defender who has made a stuttering start to his first top-flight coaching job.

He concluded: “At this moment I would say we have a better chance this way”.

At the end of the press conference, without request, he advised those journalists staying in Munich – half an hour from Augsburg by train – which tourist traps to steer clear of and where to go drinking.

“It’s a big game for them and something like an historical game for them against Liverpool”.

While eighth-placed Liverpool endeavour to make the most of their Premier League campaign, a fine Europa League run could provide Klopp with a happy distraction in his maiden term at the club’s helm. While working in Germany, Klopp won five of his 10 meetings with Augsburg, losing twice.

The Merseysiders tackle Augsburg in the two-legged Round of 32 and while Klopp wants his side to target the finish line.

“I like the club and have a lot of respect for the work of Markus Weinzierl”.