Jurgen Klopp warns Liverpool to be wary of 'super dangerous' Atalanta in Europa League

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp asked his side to be ready for a "super-disciplined" Atalanta when they meet in the Europa League quarter-final at Anfield on Thursday.

Atalanta knocked out Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the previous round but have won just two of their last nine matches in all competitions.

Nevertheless, Klopp expects Atalanta, managed by long-serving boss Gian Piero Gasperini, to pose Liverpool a big challenge.

"There are now only great teams left in the competition," Klopp said on Wednesday.

"It's really outstanding and we know what Atalanta are all about. Gasperini is doing an incredible job there for years and years and it's difficult to play against Italian teams, always was.

"Tactically they're super disciplined and super dangerous in a lot of areas, so we have to be at our best to get into the next round over these two legs."

Meanwhile, Klopp is uncertain whether four key players who returned to training will feature against Atalanta.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Alisson and Stefan Bajcetic are all close to full fitness with Liverpool also in the Premier League title race.

"Obviously, we didn't rush it with them," Klopp said. "Trent and Jota have been training together a lot for a couple of weeks. They did a lot of training but they were doing very well yesterday.

"We will see how they go but they are back in training and we have to see how we use them. Yes, we need them back but we need them in the best possible shape and we need them in rhythm."

Liverpool have already won the League Cup this season. They are now level with Arsenal on 71 points at the top of the Premier League table, trailing on goal difference. They squandered a chance to claim top spot outright with a 2-2 draw at