Klopp: How you can make the difference for LFC against United

The Reds will take on their old rivals for the first time in European competition when they go head-to-head in the initial fixture of the last 16 tie at Anfield.

It means all the ingredients are in place to create an atmosphere to remember on Merseyside – and Klopp firmly believes it could ultimately make the difference.

“Hopefully everybody can show from the first second on they’re really happy with this game and really excited with this game,” the boss told his pre-match press conference.

“Everybody needs to be in the best shape in these two legs and the crowd is involved. You know I believe in the influence of the crowd – I try everything to show the crowd and show the people that we do it for ourselves, of course, but not only that because we do it for them especially.

“We really enjoy the relationship with the crowd and it helps, there is absolutely no doubt about it. We can show that we can create a better atmosphere in the first leg than Manchester United in the second leg.

“It’s very, very important and it can be very decisive for sure. It’s a big part of football – and if it was not a big part, we could play without supporters in the park.

“So it is a big part of things and hopefully tomorrow we set an absolutely new level in the younger history of LFC. I am sure it is not possible or easy to jump over all things that LFC fans did in the past, but since I’m here, no problem. They can do the best performance in the stands if they want and I’m open for this, it would be cool.”

With the second leg of the tie set to be contested at Old Trafford in a week’s time, Liverpool will hope to secure a healthy advantage to take down the East Lancs road for the return.

However, while Klopp acknowledges the importance of securing such a lead, he feels the outcome of events at Anfield are unlikely to prove truly conclusive in the tie.

Asked by a journalist how determining tomorrow’s fixture could be, the manager replied: “That depends on the second game – if we draw at home and win at Old Trafford, it won’t be too important! We will see.

“I think the advantage with a home and away game in this special battle is not too big. You have to make your job in the first leg and you have to make your job in the second leg.

“It’s really interesting in this tournament that nearly no result can make you be sure you are through before you’ve played the second game.

“We have to really defend disciplined, we have to be creative, we have to create chances. If we can score goals we have to do it and, in the end, we have to get the result that gives us all possibilities for the rematch.

“I don’t care too much about where the game is, that we have the first at home and the second there. I think it will be two open games and when the game is over, you can win it – that’s all I need to know.”

Given the circumstances surrounding the encounter, the magnitude of the occasion has not been lost on Klopp as he aims to lead Liverpool to a first victory over United since March 2014.

Nevertheless, he is hoping there will be many more games of similar stature to come during his Reds tenure.

“It’s big, but I don’t have to compare games,” said Klopp. “If you work in Dortmund and play against Schalke, it’s not easy or possible to talk about anything else. You know it’s the only thing that counts in this moment, the only important thing – everything can happen around the world and they [the fans] only talk about this game.

“That’s similar here. It’s a really, really big game, but I hope it’s not the biggest in my Liverpool career. It’s very important and to go into the next round, we have to beat them – that’s it.”