It’s not just the Premier League Jurgen Klopp will be targeting as he prepares to sign off his Liverpool tenure in style.
While the Reds are poised to be a part of an exciting three-horse race domestically, Klopp’s men are the favourites to win their first Europa League title since 2001. Liverpool have been persistent Champions League participants since the German took charge, but a sub-par 2022/23 campaign meant their Thursday nights would be occupied this term.
Klopp guided the Merseysiders to the Europa League final during his debut season before falling at the final hurdle to perpetual victors Sevilla. The Premier League side are destined for another deep run in this competition having won Group E at the end of 2023, meaning they progressed straight into the round of 16 and thus avoided the knockout play-off round.
The Reds are soon to learn who’ll they face in the last 16, and here’s a reminder of their potential opponents.
With the knockout play-off round concluding on Thursday, the Europa League round of 16 draw will take place the following day on Friday 23 February at 11:00 GMT.
The draw will take place at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland.
Liverpool could take on any of the 16 sides competing in the Europa League knockout play-off round, although half of these will be eliminated following Thursday’s second legs.
The Reds cannot be drawn against any other group winners, ruling out a potential head-to-head with a Bayer Leverkusen side under the impressive stewardship of Xabi Alonso, a figure hotly tipped to succeed Klopp at Anfield next season. The former Liverpool midfielder could theoretically return to Merseyside if both clubs make it through to the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of prestigious clubs for Liverpool to potentially draw, including Serie A giants AC Milan and Roma. French side Marseille, who recently parted ways with manager Gennaro Gattuso, are also on the table. The Reds will be hoping to avoid Primeira Liga high-flyers Sporting CP, who knocked Arsenal out of the competition in the round of 16 last season.
Reigning Dutch champions Feyenoord would be a tough opponent if they overcome Roma given their immense form at De Kuip. The formidable home venues of Lens and Galatasaray would also make for tricky places to visit.
While Liverpool will back themselves against any opponent, they’d particularly fancy a tie against the likes of…
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