Jurgen Klopp: 'Liverpool confident of progressing in Europa League'

Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Liverpool are now "better prepared" for the challenge of facing Borussia Dortmund compared to when he first joined the club.

The Reds play host to the German's former side in the Europa League this evening aiming to build on last week's 1-1 draw at the Westfalenstadion.

Klopp has played down suggestions that Liverpool are now favourites to progress after a favourable result in the first leg, but does believe that his side are up to the task of getting the job done on home soil.

"I don't think we are under particular pressure," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying. "What we are presented with is a great chance to get to the semi-final and it is rare to have a chance to win a trophy.

"The last few weeks has given us confidence. When you think about only the second half against Southampton, that was a step in the wrong direction. We are better prepared than a few months ago.

"We are growing as a group, believing more in things and there is no doubt about the things we do. That is what has given us confidence. It is not important what I say here, it will have no impact on the game tomorrow. It is a good sign for all of us that we trust [the players] and they trust themselves."

Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager in October, having previously spent seven successful years at Dortmund before departing at the end of last season.