Klopp warns Liverpool: ‘Inter are the real deal’

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Inter in his match programme notes for tonight’s Champions League clash. ‘We are both proper forces in the game. Inter are the real deal.’

The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off at Anfield at 20.00 GMT.

Liverpool won the first leg 2-0 at San Siro with goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, although the Nerazzurri had a strong overall performance and didn’t make their chances count.

In his column as part of the match programme, Klopp has gone to great lengths to praise his Italian opponents, who won the Serie A title last season under Antonio Conte.

“What a fixture, hey? Even saying it out loud makes you excited. Liverpool versus Internazionale in the European Cup,” wrote Klopp.

“What makes it better is we face each other in a moment when we are both proper forces in the game. This is to sound arrogant about ourselves, by the way.

“I just think the current standings and performances of recent seasons makes this true. For Inter, it is absolutely the case also. They are the real deal.

“They are a proper contender for this title. What a job Simone is doing with this club. [They are the] current champions of Italy, near the top of Serie A again and looking very strong.”

Klopp also explained he sat his whole squad down to watch their 5-0 Serie A victory over Salernitana, which saw Lautaro Martinez break his 10-match goal drought with a hat-trick.

“We watched their match on Friday night in the team hotel ahead of our own game against West Ham. I don’t see many weaknesses in them if I am being honest.

“From front to back they have top-quality players, organised superbly well. A clear plan, a clear idea.”

Nicolò Barella was one of the best performers on the night against Salernitana, but he is suspended for both legs of the Champions League Round of 16 and should be replaced by Arturo Vidal.