Arne Slot has an opportunity to do what Jurgen Klopp never managed as Liverpool manager and defeat Real Madrid but the reigning champions know what they are facing at Anfield
Thibaut Courtois says Real Madrid are aware that Liverpool will be desperate for revenge when they face off again in the Champions League at Anfield tonight.
The Reds failed to beat the reigning European champions once during Jurgen Klopp ’s time in charge – including two finals – with Virgil van Dijk describing the record as “very disappointing.”
And while Courtois has been impressed by Arne Slot ’s side so far – they lead the Premier League by eight points and are the only team left in the Champions League with a 100% winning record – he knows this clash will mean even more.
“Liverpool is a team with a new coach after many years with Klopp,” the former Chelsea No1 said. “Now with Arne Slot it is a very dynamic, offensive team, with a lot of pressure, a lot of attacks, good counterattacks and a lot of speed up front.
“Playing at Anfield for them is a plus. They will surely be very keen on us because they lost the final in Paris and the round of 16 in 2023. They will want that little revenge and we hope to win.”
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti will be without a host of key players owing to injuries. Star attacker Vinicius Jr hurt a hamstring last weekend and joins Aurelien Tchouameni, David Alaba and Eder Militao on the sidelines.
Liverpool remain without Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is a major doubt.
But captain Van Dijk has already outlined he has an added layer of motivation because of the past shortcomings against the La Liga giants.
“To be absolutely honest with you, I don’t need fuel (of revenge) to be absolutely ready, but it’s the Champions League, it’s a massive game, a beautiful fixture for the neutral and we want to be on top and come out of it with a win,” Van Dijk said in his pre-match press conference..
“Listen, the fact is that I have never beaten them. That record is a very disappointing stat so it’s down to recovery and getting ready for a big one and I am looking forward to it.”
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