Read Jürgen Klopp’s Union SG programme notes

Read Jürgen Klopp’s programme notes ahead of tonight’s Europa League fixture against Union SG at Anfield.

The Reds take on the Belgian team hoping to build on their 3-1 victory at LASK earlier this month, which launched their Group E campaign.

As we prepare to face Union Saint-Gilloise in a UEFA Europa League group match, good evening and welcome to Anfield, says Klopp.

“I think most people saw the footage of the Union SG players when the draw was made and our clubs were put together in the same

group so it is pretty clear that they will be looking forward to this game. I loved their reaction, to be honest – the excitement, the joy,

the anticipation, it was all there. But we are also excited to play them.

“They are the leaders of the Belgian league, which says everything of their quality. They are a team which is causing a lot of interest in

their own country and further beyond. And on top of that they have the brother of Alexis Mac Allister, Kevin, in their ranks. Not a bad

story, I would say.

“I also have my own personal reasons for looking forward to locking horns with Union SG as they are managed by Alexander Blessin,

who comes from the same hometown as me. I was reminded earlier this week that we once shared a pitch when I was a player with

Mainz and Alexander was at Stuttgarter Kickers.

“This was many years ago, of course, but if memory serves me right Alexander came on as a substitute for Stuttgarter and I was taken

off shortly after. The good thing is that tonight we will be able to share a touchline for much longer, so I hope Alexander, his players

and the staff and supporters of Union SG will be able to enjoy the experience of Anfield but hopefully not too much.

“For us, it is another challenge. It would be an understatement to say that not everything has gone our way this season, but every time

an obstacle has been placed in our way the boys have given absolutely everything to overcome it. This gives me so much optimism for

the days and weeks to come.

“I have already said many times that this is a team that I love. I would hope that people will now understand why. I have no doubt that

the Liverpool fans who travelled at Tottenham at the weekend feel the same way as I do because we could hear their love and their

support at a time when it was most needed. I could not be more grateful for this.

“It is always in the most difficult moments that we find out most about ourselves and on Saturday there was so much that we learned

as a group that was positive. I actually believe that I learned much more about this team than I would have if we had played badly and won.

“Yes, the result did not go our way. Yes, some of the situations went against us. But as a team and as a club there was so much to take

away that we can build on. This is our responsibility and we take it so, so seriously. Tonight gives us a chance to strike back – not

because it is Union SG but because this is the first time we will play since suffering a setback – so it makes sense that we do everything

that we can to do this.

“Once again we will use the squad in the best way that we can for this particular fixture, but whichever team I pick will carry that

responsibility onto the pitch. We want a good result for ourselves, we want a good result because it would help us in the group and we

want a good result for our supporters.

“There is more than enough motivation and more than enough incentive so we should use both as much as we possibly can.”