"It is a tough opponent" - Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool's matchup against Benfica

Ahead of Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final tie against Benfica, Jurgen Klopp has praised the Portuguese side, saying it will be a tough game.

Liverpool are expected to beat Benfica pretty comfortably over two legs but in his most recent press conference, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, Klopp has played down this outlook by saying that they are a 'tough opponent'.

"We need to be at the top of our game in every single one of our games moving forward," said Klopp. "Benfica are one of the most successful teams in Portugal. It is a tough opponent.

"We have enough specialists for Portuguese football. But we analyse anyway as normal - we don't need any inside stories. We had a meeting this morning with the boys."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Despite some people underestimating the Portuguese side, Benfica are not just going to roll over and accept being knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool.

The Portuguese side have won two Champions League trophies and they have an abundance of history in European competition.

However, saying all that, Klopp's side are being tipped to win this game comfortably for a reason. Benfica are currently sitting 3rd in the Primeira Liga, with no real chance of winning the league.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have a full squad available to them and they're still within a shot of winning every competition they've competed in this season.

It's very unlikely that Benfica advance to the Champions League semi-finals but we can't underestimate them as crazier things have happened in this competition.

Virgil van Dijk also spoke about tomorrow's opponent, as cited by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, saying that they'll treat this game as they would every game.

"The approach won't be any different - to not have the away goal rule - it's a mentality thing as well. We want a good result to bring back to Anfield."