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Leipzig boss Nagelsmann praises ‘world class’ Liverpool ahead of UCL tie

Julian Nagelsmann has opened up on what RB Leipzig must do this evening as he prepares his side to face a ‘world class’ Liverpool side in the Champions League last 16.

Leipzig host Liverpool this evening in the neutral venue of Budapest’s Puskás Aréna, with the Bundesliga side looking to reach the latter stages once more after progressing to the semi-finals last season.

The two sides head into the contest in contrasting form with Leipzig having won each of their past four fixtures in all competitions, whilst Liverpool have won just twice in 10 Premier League games including three consecutive defeats.

Despite the stuttering form of the Premier League champions, Nagelsmann is preparing for a difficult encounter and has outlined what his side must do to overcome the ‘world class’ threat posed by Jurgen Klopp and his team.

Leipzig and Liverpool have never previously met, though Nagelsmann has previous experience of facing the Reds after seeing his Hoffenheim side were eliminated by Klopp’s side in the Champions League’s play-off round in 2017.

”Liverpool have struggled at times this season but they will try to press us very high, attack us very high.” he told BBC Sport’s Guillem Balague.

“Our build-up game has to be quick and we have to make the right decisions. We also have to play some long balls into the deep space.

“There will be big phases where we have to defend deep because what they do is world class. Their three forwards are very dangerous and very good.

“Our performance has to be very good to win the game. A very important part of being a manager is to study the opponents.”

Read – Five of the best Champions League last 16 ties involving English sides

Read Also – Premier League Team of the Week

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