Liverpool FC

Hoffenheim boss: I’m not in awe of Liverpool FC

Julian Nagelsmann insists that he is not awed by Liverpool ahead of Hoffenheim’s Champions League play-off.

Jurgen Klopp’s side lead the Bundesliga outfit from the first leg heading into Wednesday’s vital tie for a place in the group stages of Europe’s elite club competition.

Nagelsmann previously visited Anfield during Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as the Reds beat Newcastle to finish runner-up the final day of the 2013/14 season.

But Hoffenheim’s youthful manager has warned that his side will not be cowed in attempts to pull off a shock by eliminating the hosts on Wednesday.

He said: “People in Germany will be pleased if we make it.

“‘There will be surprise because people aren’t betting on us. We’re full of confidence.

 

“If we win people might be a bit shocked when we return home on Thursday.

“I’m not in awe of this club. We know it’s a big name with a lot of history. But I’m looking forward to it.

“We’ve shown in the first leg that we coped well with them. We can deal with fast attackers.”