Liverpool will go down in history as one of world football’s all time great teams…thanks to the unique genius of Jurgen Klopp.
That is the view of European opponent Diego Simeone, who admits he takes his Atletico Madrid side into a daunting Champions League knock out showdown with the English club.
And for the Argentine coach, who has won many honours himself with the combative Spaniards, including a La Liga title, and two Europa League triumphs, that says much about Klopp’s ability to mould a side.
“ Liverpool are a magnificent team trained by a coach who is different,” he said.
“We have always spoken about great teams and I have no doubt this Liverpool team will go down in football history as a great team because it is different to other teams. This team is more intensive, changes and adapts. I admire this as a rival coach.
“Klopp has been creating this kind of team for four years and he has been improving.”
Simeone has himself twice taken Atletico to the final of the Champions League, but accepts Klopp’s achievement in reaching the final in successive years is even greater.
And he admits he thought the Liverpool side would break up after losing Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, but instead, has simply got stronger.
“Even after Coutinho left, when it looked as though the team was breaking up, the opposite happened. It became even stronger and that says a lot about the players who are at Liverpool,” he said.
For all the strength of Liverpool though, the Argentine insists his side still have a fighting chance. “I know the stadium is going to explode tomorrow. We are going to play against some vibrant fans at Liverpool but I really trust my fans and my players.
“It’s one game in two half and I have no doubt in a two-legged tie it’s a 50-50 chance for everybody. I don’t see any pessimism from my players, I see what I like most of all – optimism.”
