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Real challenge awaits Reds
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will have to play “two super games” in order to knock holders Real Madrid out of the Champions League.
Last season’s finalists go head-to-head in the last 16 of this year’s competition, with the first leg taking place at Anfield tonight.
The Reds are fresh from back-to-back victories over Everton and Newcastle after a dismal January which in which they picked up just one point and were knocked out of the FA Cup.
Klopp, 55, said: “I am really happy we play it now. Four weeks ago, it would have been different.
“Life is all about timing. Maybe we found our feet in time. Hopefully we can build on that, but now we need to play two super games.”
Real’s 1-0 victory back in May saw them crowned European champions for the 14th time and denied Liverpool their seventh title.
On that final in Paris, the German coach added: “I watched it back this weekend. I realised why I hadn’t before that.
“It was torture. We played a good game, we could have won it but they scored the decisive goal.
“You could see their experience, how little they lose confidence, they are there for their chance. That is what you can learn from them.
“We are different teams in different times. Let’s see who goes through.”
Blues hit with EFL charge
Championship side Birmingham have been charged by the EFL over alleged breaches of financial regulations.
The charges have been issued to the West Midlands club and individuals relating to a proposed takeover at St Andrew’s following an investigation by the Football League.
It is alleged that a number of people were allowed to act as relevant persons and acquired the club without EFL approval.
A statement read: “Following the conclusion of an investigation into the proposed acquisition of control at Birmingham, the EFL has charged the club and a number of other individuals with alleged breaches of EFL regulations.
“The EFL has been considering whether the club, any official(s), and/or any persons involved with the proposed acquisition of control complied with the requirements of the regulations in relation to the owners’ and directors’ test.
“Having comprehensively reviewed all relevant issues, the EFL has now determined there is sufficient evidence to justify issuing various charges of misconduct.”
The Blues have been owned by China-based Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited since 2016.
There was an approach to acquire the club by Paul Richardson and Maxi Lopez, which came to an end in December, as well as separate negotiations with unnamed potential investors.
Birmingham are 18th in England’s second tier, seven points clear of the relegation zone with 14 games to play this term.
