Jurgen Klopp has insisted Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone will not have been happy to draw Liverpool in the Champions League Round of 16.
Liverpool topped their group ahead of Napoli as they seek to defend their European crown and will now play Atletico, who finished second in their pool behind Italian champions Juventus.
Klopp has described the tie as “interesting” and believes Simeone will have been disappointed to draw Liverpool instead of the likes of Paris-Saint Germain, Manchester City and RB Leipzig.
“It’s an interesting draw,” Klopp told his club’s official website. “Before the draw, I actually thought it would be Madrid – either one of the two clubs – and that’s the way it is.
“Madrid is the place where we only have fantastic memories, all of us, so that’s great, but this time we play Atletico there and it’s their home ground.
“It’s a tough one, but if you go through all of the draws, there are pretty much four or five potential finals already in the last 16.
“So, really, really good; a good draw, a difficult game like it should be, but I don’t think Mr Simeone is running through his living room and is happy that he got Liverpool.
“It will be a tough game. Two teams who are used to playing intense football. Different styles and slightly different organisation, of course, but both are ready for intensity and that makes it pretty tough for both.”
