Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained that travelling short distances coupled with exciting fixtures made him want to draw Manchester United in the Round of 16 of the Europa League.

Shortly after Liverpool drew Manchester United for the first time in a European competition in late February, Klopp insisted that he wanted his side to be pitted against their arch-rivals.




The Reds will welcome the Red Devils to Anfield for the first leg tonight before travelling to Old Trafford for the reverse fixture a week later.

And Klopp, who is yet to taste victory against Manchester United, having lost a Premier League fixture to Louis van Gaal’s team this season at Anfield, stated that he is pleased to have another go at the 20-time English champions.
 


“It was a feeling in the first moment when I saw who was in the next round”, the German told the club’s official site, when asked what made him say that he wanted to face Manchester United in the Europa League.

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“I first wanted to ask if it was possible in this round to get an English team – after everybody said it was, then I said I wanted Manchester United, that’s the truth.

“I cannot really explain [this]. It’s not the longest travel, but one of the most exciting games I could imagine because it’s Manchester United.

“We are really looking forward to the game, but we don’t know about the result [yet]. To get the opportunity to try again, that’s really enough for me.”

Liverpool, who have lost just once in their last six games in all competitions, are currently seventh in the Premier League with 44 points from 28 games.