Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool have quality to reach Europa final

Jurgen Klopp believes seven months of evolution since his arrival has turned Liverpool's season around and set them up for a pivotal Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal. Liverpool have battled inconsistency since Klopp's appointment as they adjust to his methods, but he reckons they have the quality required to reach the final, despite carrying a 1-0 deficit from the first leg

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can is set to return for his side's crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal. Picture: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images)

“In October Liverpool changed their manager. That’s not the sign of a perfect situation,” said the German, who replaced Brendan Rodgers seven months ago.

“Something went wrong before then. After the change we didn’t change everything immediately, we developed. We still had problems – injuries. We played sometimes really good, sometimes not that good, but only two really bad games – Watford and Swansea.

“This team has built consistency step by step, this good shape and good moment we should use. These players gave me a lot of positive signs about their qualities and 
quality is always potential plus talent plus attitude. That is really good. If we play our best then we can go to the final.”

Klopp has been boosted by the ahead-of-schedule return of midfielder Emre Can from ankle ligament damage, although captain Jordan Henderson remains out with a knee injury.

“Emre Can is ready to return to the squad, for sure,” Klopp said. “Hendo is in a good way for England [for Euro 2016]. I’m not sure how good a way it is for Liverpool. He’s not been on the pitch until now. We will have to see day by day how that improvement is so only Emre will return to the squad for 
this game.”