Jurgen Klopp is relishing a ‘proper football game’ in Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final with Barcelona.
A 6-1 aggregate win over Porto saw the Reds book their place in the last four of Europe’s premier club competition for a second time in as many seasons.
Spanish champions Barca await Klopp’s side in the semi-final with Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho set to return to their former Anfield stomping ground.
And Klopp believes that the mouth-watering clash with Ernesto Valverde’s side is an indication of the strides that Liverpool have made in the past 12 months.
He said: “I know that people like to be disrespectful to Porto but we knew how difficult it would be.
“We won 2-0 at home and deserved it but anything could have happened here tonight. In the quarter-final there are only really strong teams and in the semi-final as well.
“I didn’t see anything of Tottenham and City but I saw Ajax and if I was wearing my hat still [he would doff it].
“It is unbelievable how they play and the biggest compliment how they went through beating Real Madrid and Juve.
“Now we are in the semi-final against Barcelona. I’m really happy about the fact we play them. We will find things we think we could use.
“But on the other side I don’t care. We play on Sunday against Cardiff. That’s in my mind, not how we play against Barcelona. We have enough time for that.
“I’m looking forward to it but not tonight.
“It is really good news that there is a proper football game between Liverpool and Barcelona. To be in the semi-final for a second time in a row is a big statement.
“I’m really proud of the boys, it is brilliant what they did. Doing it in different ways makes it even more special.”