Jürgen Klopp won no prizes for romanticism on his return to Borussia Dortmund, saying it was better to be back at Signal Iduna Park "than North Korea or something", and he was stark in his warning to Liverpool's players before tonight's Europa League quarter-final first leg. "We have the highest mountain to climb," he said. "But it is possible."

Liverpool’s manager was greeted by 25 photographers yesterday as he made his first appearance back at the club he revitalised over a seven-year period. And they were only the snappers at the front of Klopp’s crowded pre-match press conference. Another 20 trained their lenses from the back of the media room.

In keeping with his stance since the draw was made on March 18th, Klopp made clear his feelings on being the centre of attention at the expense of Liverpool’s and Dortmund’s players. “I don’t think about my situation for one second,” he insisted. “I prepare my team, that’s why I am here at a place where I had a wonderful time. It is better to be here than, I don’t know, North Korea or something. It feels good.”

Unbeaten

But he was forthcoming on Liverpool's task against a Dortmund team who are unbeaten in 2016, second in the Bundesliga and overcame Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 on aggregate in the last 16.

Klopp admitted: “I don’t think we are favourites to win the title at this moment but if we beat Dortmund then we become something like favourites but then it still depends on the other teams left in the competition. I don’t think in these categories. Dortmund are in a better moment in their season but we have had good moments and not had the benefit of it in the league table.

“If we have a good moment then next week will be difficult for both teams. If we are not good, then it will be easier for Dortmund, but why should I think about this? We have the highest mountain to climb in Borussia Dortmund but it is possible. It is a real challenge but hopefully for both sides.” Guardian Service