TSG drawn against Liverpool in UCL play-offs

Julian Nagelsmann’s boys will host the Reds on 15th/16th August at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim, before a trip to the legendary Anfield on 22nd/23rd August. Should TSG overcome last season’s fourth-placed Premier League side, they would be Germany’s fourth representatives in the 2017/18 Champions League campaign. Defeat over the two legs would instead see Hoffenheim automatically qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stages together with fellow Bundesliga sides Hertha BSC and 1. FC Köln.

Thoughts on the draw

Julian Nagelsmann: “It’s Murphy’s Law. Fortunately, I already watched the Audi Cup this week. They were two very good games. Of course, it’s a very difficult draw but there weren’t any “easy” draws. We now have the opportunity to play a great team in a legendary stadium which is something truly special. This morning, I joked: ‘If you want to be in the Champions League, you have to beat every possible opponent so we have to win against Liverpool!’ I had a gut feeling it would be Liverpool and I think it’s a great thing for the media and the fans. Jürgen Klopp will be back in Germany and I don’t think they’d have wanted us as opponents either. We’ll do everything in our power to try and get through. Liverpool are a phenomenal side and they gave Bayern no chance last weekend. However, I already have an idea how we can snatch a result but we’ll have to watch a few more games first to work out our plan.”

Hansi Flick: “Liverpool is a great draw. It will be an unbelievable draw for the squad and the club as a whole. We want to grow further and games like this help us do just that. We have the chance to measure up against the very best which is exactly what we want. Everyone will be paying attention to TSG and that’s exactly what we want.”

Alexander Rosen: “We’re looking forward to it like crazy. I was really nervous before the draw. Liverpool is a big challenge but we’re extremely glad to be in this position – the crème-de-la-crème of European football. Now we need to catch such a big team off-guard. Jürgen Klopp is coming and Roberto Firmino is returning too. That makes an already great occasion become exceptional. We’re as driven as ever.  We need to step up to enter the group stage as the Audi Cup clearly showed what calibre of opposition awaits us.”

Eugen Polanski: “I don’t need to say much about our opposition as every football fan around the world recognises Liverpool FC. They’re a massive club and a difficult draw for us but we shouldn’t be written off yet. The games have yet to be played and I know the coaches will have us very well prepared for both games.”

Liverpool FC at a glance

The club

Liverpool have been chasing the Premier League title for years in vain. The competition from the Manchester and London clubs has been too strong for the ‘Redmen’ in recent seasons, despite the arrival of Jürgen Klopp and former TSG first-teamer Roberto Firmino. Nevertheless, the team from Anfield Road, whose fans chant their beloved “You’ll never walk alone” before each home game, belong to English and European aristocracy. 18 English championships, five European Cups and three UEFA Cup triumphs ensure Liverpool are a footballing heavyweight with an illustrious history.

The stars

Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana

2016-17 season

Last season, Jürgen Klopp’s side finished fourth in the Premier League. 76 points from 38 games is no bad haul but it’s a long way off the top as Chelsea earned 93 points last season.