Jurgen Klopp has fired a warning to Borussia Dortmund ahead of next week’s Europa League quarter-final.
The Liverpool manager will return to Signal Iduna Park for the first time as the two sides face off in the first leg of their last eight encounter next Thursday.
But Klopp has warned Dortmund, firm favourites in this year’s tournament, that they will not face a walkover when they take on the rejuvenated Anfield outfit.
He said: “It’s not going to be an inner battle between my old and my new love.
“It won’t be a problem for me. Before I joined BVB, I had a good relationship with FSV Mainz 05. I built a very intense relationship with Borussia Dortmund.
“Now I’m here in Liverpool already for half a year and there’s also been a very warm welcome and fantastic people to know. Football is fortunately a bit different than in real life – you can have multiple loves.
“We are all aware how incredibly difficult this draw is for us. They are the runaway favourites in this competition. But we’d also like to stay in it for a bit longer.
“We need to be courageous. The way Dortmund play commands enormous respect. To say now we have a 100% plan to beat Dortmund would be a bit ridiculous.
“But on a good day and when we put our plan into action we have a chance. It’s no picnic to play against us. We’ve shown that several times before.”