Jurgen Klopp: 'Hoffenheim not an easy tie'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that his side will face "not an easy game" when they take on Hoffenheim for a place in the group stages of the Champions League.

Earlier today the Reds were drawn against the German side, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga last term, in the playoff round in what represents their first appearance in the premier European tournament in three seasons.

"Very interesting. Actually, it was exactly what I expected when I had a look – if there's a choice we always seem to take the German team! Sorry!" Klopp told the Liverpool website.

"It was clear from the first moment when we knew who we could face that there would be no easy game. It's Hoffenheim and that's for sure not an easy game.

"But we should always not forget what they thought in the moment they saw the draw – it's not the best thing they could get.

"I'm completely fine with it, happy to know and now we can start preparing. [They are a] strong side, how everybody can imagine. When you are fourth in Germany you are a strong side. That's a real challenge but I'm looking forward to it."

Klopp's charges will travel to Germany for the first leg on August 15, before hosting the decider at Anfield on August 23.