Villarreal manager Marcelino insists his side are more than equal to Europa League favourites Liverpool and hopes the visitors ``suffer'' at El Madrigal.
The Reds' dramatic win to put out Borussia Dortmund in the last round immediately made Jurgen Klopp's team top of the betting to lift the trophy in Basle next month.
But Marcelino believes Villarreal, fourth in La Liga but 20 points behind third-placed Real Madrid, are a match.
``Liverpool might be the favourite - the club, their history and the fact that they knocked out Borussia Dortmund all add up - but we don't consider ourselves to be less than them,'' he told a press conference ahead of their semi-final first leg.
``We are going to give everything from our side to eliminate this legendary team.
``We don't have any pressure on us. I'm really satisfied with and grateful to this squad for getting to this semi-final.
``We are very hopeful and convinced that we are capable of beating Liverpool, and all the while we'll be enjoying the occasion.
``I felt more pressure in the previous knockout ties. We have the chance to make history at this club now.
``If we manage to enjoy the match and do the things we know how to do I think they're going to suffer a lot at our ground.''
Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, who has been out for a month with a knee problem, travelled and trained with the squad in Villarreal.
``It is the best news that Christian is back. He has not had too many sessions but we watched him in training - although now is not the moment to think if he is in the best shape,'' said Reds boss Klopp.
``After injury that is not too easy, but he is in really good shape that is for sure.
``For us it is perfect that he is back and we have only players here in Villarreal who are only ready for being part tomorrow, there are no tourists. If we need him, we can use him. That's good.''
The Belgium international has not featured for the club since the 3-2 defeat at Southampton on March 20 after sustaining a knee injury training with the international side.
However, Klopp has included in him in his squad for the crucial two-legged semi-final, although with Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino ahead of him in the pecking order the best he can expect in Spain is a place on the bench.
With Divock Origi out for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage Benteke's return at least boosts Klopp's options up front.
The Reds' dramatic win to put out Borussia Dortmund in the last round immediately made Jurgen Klopp's team top of the betting to lift the trophy in Basle next month.
But Marcelino believes Villarreal, fourth in La Liga but 20 points behind third-placed Real Madrid, are a match.
``Liverpool might be the favourite - the club, their history and the fact that they knocked out Borussia Dortmund all add up - but we don't consider ourselves to be less than them,'' he told a press conference ahead of their semi-final first leg.
``We are going to give everything from our side to eliminate this legendary team.
``We don't have any pressure on us. I'm really satisfied with and grateful to this squad for getting to this semi-final.
``We are very hopeful and convinced that we are capable of beating Liverpool, and all the while we'll be enjoying the occasion.
``I felt more pressure in the previous knockout ties. We have the chance to make history at this club now.
``If we manage to enjoy the match and do the things we know how to do I think they're going to suffer a lot at our ground.''
Liverpool striker Christian Benteke, who has been out for a month with a knee problem, travelled and trained with the squad in Villarreal.
``It is the best news that Christian is back. He has not had too many sessions but we watched him in training - although now is not the moment to think if he is in the best shape,'' said Reds boss Klopp.
``After injury that is not too easy, but he is in really good shape that is for sure.
``For us it is perfect that he is back and we have only players here in Villarreal who are only ready for being part tomorrow, there are no tourists. If we need him, we can use him. That's good.''
The Belgium international has not featured for the club since the 3-2 defeat at Southampton on March 20 after sustaining a knee injury training with the international side.
However, Klopp has included in him in his squad for the crucial two-legged semi-final, although with Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino ahead of him in the pecking order the best he can expect in Spain is a place on the bench.
With Divock Origi out for up to six weeks with ankle ligament damage Benteke's return at least boosts Klopp's options up front.
Enregistrer un commentaire