In fullRead Jürgen Klopp's Union SG programme notes

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The Reds host the Belgian side seeking to follow up their 3-1 win at LASK last month that got their Group E campaign under way.

"Good evening and welcome to Anfield for our UEFA Europa League group fixture against Union Saint-Gilloise," writes Klopp.

"I think most people saw the footage of the Union SG players when the draw was made and our clubs were put together in the same group so it is pretty clear that they will be looking forward to this game. I loved their reaction, to be honest – the excitement, the joy, the anticipation, it was all there. But we are also excited to play them.

"They are the leaders of the Belgian league, which says everything of their quality. They are a team which is causing a lot of interest in their own country and further beyond. And on top of that they have the brother of Alexis Mac Allister, Kevin, in their ranks. Not a bad story, I would say.

"I also have my own personal reasons for looking forward to locking horns with Union SG as they are managed by Alexander Blessin, who comes from the same hometown as me. I was reminded earlier this week that we once shared a pitch when I was a player with Mainz and Alexander was at Stuttgarter Kickers.

"This was many years ago, of course, but if memory serves me right Alexander came on as a substitute for Stuttgarter and I was taken off shortly after. The good thing is that tonight we will be able to share a touchline for much longer, so I hope Alexander, his players and the staff and supporters of Union SG will be able to enjoy the experience of Anfield but hopefully not too much.

"For us, it is another challenge. It would be an understatement to say that not everything has gone our way this season, but every time an obstacle has been placed in our way the boys have given absolutely everything to overcome it. This gives me so much optimism for the days and weeks to come.

"I have already said many times that this is a team that I love. I would hope that people will now understand why. I have no doubt that the Liverpool fans who travelled at Tottenham at the weekend feel the same way as I do because we could hear their love and their support at a time when it was most needed. I could not be more grateful for this.

"It is always in the most difficult moments that we find out most about ourselves and on Saturday there was so much that we learned as a group that was positive. I actually believe that I learned much more about this team than I would have if we had played badly and won.

"Yes, the result did not go our way. Yes, some of the situations went against us. But as a team and as a club there was so much to take away that we can build on. This is our responsibility and we take it so, so seriously. Tonight gives us a chance to strike back – not because it is Union SG but because this is the first time we will play since suffering a setback – so it makes sense that we do everything that we can to do this.

"Once again we will use the squad in the best way that we can for this particular fixture, but whichever team I pick will carry that responsibility onto the pitch. We want a good result for ourselves, we want a good result because it would help us in the group and we want a good result for our supporters.

"There is more than enough motivation and more than enough incentive so we should use both as much as we possibly can."

• Get your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield tonight or order online here