Kovac Ready For Reds Test

Niko Kovac feels Liverpool are the toughest Champions League draw his Bayern Munich side could have been handed.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were runners-up in the competition last season and are currently second in the Premier League, level on points with leaders Manchester City, who have played a game more.

Kovac says it does not get any harder, but believes his side have what it takes to go through.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s last-16 first leg, he said: “I want to say once again we are playing tomorrow against an opponent where it is the most difficult draw.

“If you look at what Liverpool did in the Champions League last season, and what they are doing in the Premier League this season, then you have to say it is the most difficult draw that there is.

“The atmosphere will definitely be good, but I’m sure my players have gone through a lot of big games with great atmospheres, so that’s not an argument that we shouldn’t be able to compete tomorrow. “We just have to get into the game, be focused, stand up to the first attacks and then we’ll try to play our game, and (then) we can get a successful result.

“The Champions League is undoubtedly special and tomorrow when the lads leave the hotel or come into the stadium, they’ll know what it’s about, why they need venues like this and opponents like this. “I’m completely convinced everybody will be right in the head and produce performances they have to to get a result tomorrow.”