Jurgen Klopp relieved Liverpool's showdown with Real Madrid in Champions League didn't come last month

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he is relieved to be facing Real Madrid now rather than a month ago after a recent upturn in his side’s form ahead of the Champions League showdown. The Reds face the reigning European and world champions in a repeat of last season’s final on Tuesday at Anfield in the first leg of their last 16 tie. Ad Klopp’s men started 2023 in dreadful form, picking up one win from seven games after the turn of the year, but they come into the Real clash following back-to-back wins against Everton and Newcastle.

Premier LeagueKlopp celebrates 'outstanding' goals and 'relief' after Liverpool win over NewcastleYESTERDAY AT 20:33 «I'm really happy we can play now, four weeks ago it would have been different, but life is all about timing,” Klopp said. “Maybe we've found our feet right in time for this game, even though I would have expected us to be ourselves if we hadn't won the last two games, because it's a different competition and you have to use this opportunity. “We have these two results and hopefully we can build on that, but we need to play a super game.

We need to play two super games, to be honest, to get through. “I have no problem with that because if you don't play your best, you don't have a chance — Real Madrid don't have to play their best and still have a chance! That's the difference. That's pretty special.