Jurgen Klopp discussed the upcoming Napoli clash, as the Azzurri will welcome Liverpool at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for Group A’s opening match in the UEFA Champions League. The duo meet in the group stage for the third time in the last five seasons, with the Partenopei emerging victorious in the two previous fixtures at home.
The Reds boss praised his opponents in his pre-match press conference (via Calciomercato), and expressed amusement when he was told Naples is a ‘dangerous’ city to visit as the away team.
When quizzed about his past encounters against Napoli, Klopp gave examples of his achievements despite coming short against the southern giants.
“Defeats in Naples? If I’m not mistaken, when it happened with Borussia Doortmun and Liverpool, then we managed to reach the final. We have to play better than in previous matches, also because the stadium will be loud.”
The gaffer took stock of the Azzurri‘s prowess to stage an early upset, complimenting Luciano Spalletti in the process.
“Napoli have many young players but they are also good. Some stars left and that led to some nervousness. But I think we can build the team around Piotr Zielinski, who’s great. I am not surprised that Spalletti remained calm given the environment that has been created. He’s the ideal coach for them.”
He was then asked of Naples’ reputation as a dangerous city – something the Merseyside club have taken note of by releasing an official statement on Twitter.
“I don’t know about that, I am always protected and I have an escort. There is a risk the fans will clash. You are fishing for a title here.”
Napoli appear in the Champions League for the first time since the 2019/20 season. The Azzurri have lost just once in their last 12 group stage clashes in the continental tournament – with that lone defeat coming against Liverpool in December 2018.
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