Klopp set 'mother of all games' against Man United

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes their first European meeting with Manchester United is "the mother of all games".

The German did little to play down the highly-anticipated clash with their arch-rivals in the last 16 of the Europa League but, despite the animosity which has existed between the two clubs, he insists United are not the enemy.

He even had some sympathy for counterpart Louis van Gaal after the criticism the Dutchman has faced this season.

I don't believe in enemies in football I believe in real opponents.

I have absolutely no problem with Louis van Gaal but the last thing I want is for him to win.

You can play your best friends but if (they are) in the wrong shirt for 95 minutes you can forget everything, all the common experiences in your life. Games like this are the mother of all football games.

– JURGEN KLOPP