Reaction'A proper test' - Jürgen Klopp on drawing Sparta Prague in Europa League last 16
Jürgen Klopp anticipates a 'proper test' after Liverpool were paired with Sparta Prague in the last 16 of the Europa League.
The Reds will meet the Czech champions over two legs next month following Friday morning's draw in Nyon.
Liverpool will travel to Prague on Thursday March 7 before hosting Sparta at Anfield on Thursday March 14.
"The first thing to say is that at this stage of European competition it makes sense to expect a proper test and this is what we have got," Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com following the draw, which he watched with his coaching staff at the AXA Training Centre.
"Sparta Prague earned their place in the last 16 with a sensational game and result against Galatasaray. I have no doubt it was a special night for them and now they will want to continue their run.
"There is not too much time before we meet, but hopefully we can arrive there in a good condition because that is exactly what we will need.
"The Czech league tells us what a good season Sparta are having – I am pretty sure they have lost only once – so we will have to be ready.
"There is a lot of football to be played before then, of course, and we will take each game as it comes, but in the back of our minds we will also know that we have another exciting Europa League tie to look forward to."
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.