Marco Reus Comments on Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund vs. Liverpool, Transfer Rumours

Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus has played down transfer rumours, saying he feels "at home" at Signal Iduna Park. The forward also stated his team's focus will be on Liverpool when the two clubs meet in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, and not on former manager Jurgen Klopp. 

Speaking to Bild (h/t the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce), Reus rejected the idea he won't move to another club because he couldn't handle the pressure:

"

I opted for BVB because I need my regular environment where I feel at home.

It has nothing to do that I am not able to handle the pressure or what is permanently speculated. We are also measured in wins and trophies here at Dortmund.

Domestically, we just have the problems right now that Bayern constantly play on a level which we have not reached yet. But we want to get there, and we feel that we are absolutely capable of it.

"

The 26-year-old has been with Die Schwarzgelben since 2012 but has been linked with a host of clubs throughout the years, including the Reds and Barcelona, per Martin Lipton of the Sun and David Maddock of the Daily Mirror.

Plenty of fans and pundits assumed he would leave Signal Iduna Park after several stellar seasons, but he signed a new deal last year and seems committed to the club for the long haul. 

Per Transfermarkt.co.uk, injuries have plagued the Germany international, and those persistent issues may have played a part in his decision to stay with Dortmund. Bleacher Report's Lars Pollmann couldn't help himself after the most recent international break:

Clubs are often hesitant to spend big transfer fees on players who cannot stay healthy, and Reus remains a hugely important player for Dortmund, who wouldn't have entertained the idea of selling him at a discount.

Reus also admitted he "chuckled" when Dortmund were drawn against Liverpool in the Europa League, as it meant former manager Klopp would make his return to Signal Iduna Park.

The first leg will be played on April 7, and the winger insists the focus has to be on the Reds, not Klopp:

"

We chuckled when we heard the news because it was clear the old coach will return home.

But we directly said that it’s not BVB versus Klopp, but rather Dortmund versus Liverpool. We accept the draw. We’re professional and hungry for success.

Should we wane just a few percentage points then we’ll be without a chance. They have a good team, and especially in attack they have great players.

"

Klopp coached Dortmund between 2008 and 2015 and guided the club back to the top of the Bundesliga standings after one of the darkest periods in the team's history. He signed the likes of Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who have become key players and will be the main danger men against Liverpool.

The Reds boss is clearly excited for his return to Dortmund, per the Europa League's official Twitter account:

Klopp can likely expect a warm welcome from the Dortmund fans, but for Reus and his team-mates, it will be business as usual once the opening whistle blows.

Die Schwarzgelben are hungry for success after their disappointing 2014-15 campaign, and with Bayern Munich running away with the Bundesliga title, the Europa League will be their best chance for silverware.

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