Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool must be willing to ‘suffer’ against Barcelona.
Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg will see the Reds aiming to edge closer to the competition’s showpiece for a second consecutive season.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are set to stand in their way on the back of the Catalans successfully defending their La Liga title last weekend with a win over Levante.
Adding to their motivation is Lionel Messi’s vow at the start of the current campaign that Barca would ‘do all we can’ to recapture the Champions League.
Klopp has not lost in his 10 previous European knock-out ties as Liverpool manager but is wary of the task which lies ahead of them at the Nou Camp.
He said: “Out of all the matches in the world, Barcelona is one of the toughest games to play ever.
“Playing Manchester City in our league isn’t a walk in the park either. There are a lot of difficult games to play and this is another one.
“We don’t want to avoid difficult games because it means you play for something. Being perfect in this game is not possible, we will make mistakes.
“Will we suffer? Oh yes – 100 per cent. Will there be moments when we have chances? 100 per cent. Will we use them? I hope so.
“That’s what we try to do. We need to be completely free.
“I know people say we’ve been better in the past couple of years and that Barcelona aren’t the same Barcelona any more without Xavi and Iniesta.
“But they are a brilliant team. This is our second year at this level. They have been here for 20 years.
“It’s so difficult but I couldn’t be more excited about having this opportunity. My players feel the same.”