The tie will also see Jurgen Klopp visit his former club for the first time since leaving Dortmund last summer, adding some extra spice to an already mouthwatering tie.
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Asked after Liverpool’s win over Manchester United about whether he wanted to come up against Dortmund next, Klopp said: “Why should I want the strongest team in the tournament?”
And Whelan thinks Liverpool’s good cup runs, coupled with the lure of playing under the charismatic Klopp makes the Merseyside giants a more attractive destination for players than it was a year ago.
This has no doubt been down to the subtle tactical changes and flexible approach he has employed since taking charge; balancing aspects of Klopp’s successful sides alongside making his own mark on his team.
‘From what I can see, the way he’s involved with the game, his emotions and the way he talks and celebrates with his players, it looks good.
Liverpool FC v Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg at Anfield.
Knocking arch-rivals Manchester United out of the Europa League in midweek has boosted morale further and Klopp is keen to tap into that but he will not set his players a target as they chase the top four.
Ronald Koeman’s side picked up a 2-1 win away to Stoke City last week to keep their own European ambitions alive with just eight matches left to play and have had a full week to recover prior to Liverpool’s visit. I know about the business and all the circumstances, that’s clear, but I don’t like it to be honest.
They threw everything they had at us – which isn’t a lot at the moment – and did cause us some problems.
On every previous occasion Sevilla have reached the quarter-final stage they have gone on to lift the trophy.
“During the game all the focus [should be] on these guys and then if somebody wants to talk to me after the game I am available then”.
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Facing Liverpool in the Europa League quarter-finals is a “dream” for Borussia Dortmund, according to head coach Thomas Tuchel. But if a player wants to go to another club then I’d always be open to it because I don’t want to have a player in my squad who doesn’t want to be in the squad.
