Liverpool are set to face RB Leipzig in the Champions League’s last 16.
The Premier League champions were pitted against Julian Nagelsmann’s side in Monday’s draw for the knockout stage of Europe’s elite club competition.
Although it is a first meeting between the clubs, Nagelsmann has previously faced off against the Reds in the Champions League while at Hoffenheim.
Jurgen Klopp bested his compatriot in a 2017 third round qualifier, winning 6-3 on aggregate with four goals coming during the return leg at Anfield.
As with last year’s exit to Atletico Madrid, Liverpool will again have home advantage in the latter stage of the tie which takes place on March 10.
Leipzig will welcome Klopp’s players for the corresponding tie at the Red Bull Arena little more than three weeks earlier, on February 16 next year.
“I was pretty sure we would get one of the Germany teams – either ‘Gladbach or Leipzig, both are strong,” said Klopp.
“Leipzig played in the semi-final last year and this year look good again.
“In a very difficult, tricky group they went through and says pretty much everything about them, outstanding.
“I think because they played in the semi-final last year, probably English people now know them better.
“But usually it is like, ‘Liverpool are big favourites’ – but it will be a tough one.
“It is the last 16 of the Champions League, so how can you find 15 other clubs who are not strong in Europe when you play in this competition?
“It is not possible. So, that’s the draw, we take it.
“It’s still a long time until we meet them, a lot of games to play between now and then, a lot of things can happen, but I am excited.
“I never played against Leipzig – they came up to the Bundesliga after I left, so I have never been in their stadium, but it is a wonderful city and let’s see.”
He added: “We played against Julian Nagelsmann, the coach, when he was at Hoffenheim, which was a tough one.
“Now he has a better team, a really exciting team. Lost Timo Werner, still in the top three of the Bundesliga, that says really everything about them.
“The club has a very interesting story. It’s not the oldest club in Germany, it’s only founded 10 years ago or so.
“But they are doing a really good job, I have to say, and I respect a lot what they are doing. I’m looking forward to the games, honestly.”
One-time Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is now an established first-team player for the German outfit, who were also Naby Keita’s most recent club.