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Jurgen Klopp previews Liverpool's Champions League semi-final tie vs Barcelona

LFC Globe -

Jurgen Klopp spoke to reporters in Spain ahead of Liverpool's semi-final first-leg against on Wednesday.

The Reds beat in the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final against Ernesto Valverde's side, with the first-leg taking place at the Camp Nou tomorrow night.

Klopp named a 23-man squad for the trip to Barcelona, with and both included after getting over their respective injury worries.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Klopp insisted how each side use their advantage will be important in determining who qualifies from the tie.

"There's home advantage for Barcelona tomorrow and we have the home advantage next Tuesday, then we will see who could use the advantage more," he said.

"We know how difficult it is to play against Barcelona because of the quality they have. It's not only about Messi but of course it's about him as well.

"Can we concentrate on Messi? We should in a lot of moments. But if you do it only, there are 10 world-class players around who decide the game easily then.

"They have the highest quality team, they are already Spanish champions. Messi said before the season, ‘We want to bring back this cup.'

"Now we are here and I can only say we want to go to the final as well – if we can show that tomorrow night that would be cool."

Klopp insisted that his side must be brave enough to play their own brand of football whilst limiting Barcelona's undoubted threat.

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images

"We need to do our defensive work correctly and have the courage to play our football when we get the chance," Klopp said.

"When they have the ball, you must have a high level of patience and not get frustrated. They will pass the ball around for long periods and you just have to accept that.

"But then you will have your moments where you have the ball and then you have to be the biggest threat they can imagine.

"Barcelona are a pretty good team. I've watched so many games with other teams playing – and losing – against Barcelona, but I have never faced them in a competitive game myself. I've always thought it would be interesting to test myself against them.

"But let's not forget, we're not a dream for other teams either. I don't think teams get drawn against Liverpool and think: That's a great draw, we can go out and smash them. We are a pretty good football team ourselves and we'll try everything to ."