Borussia Dortmund vs. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp Plot Feared by Hans-Joachim Watzke

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke is concerned Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will get the supporters of his former club "on his side" during their upcoming UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday.

According to German outlet Bild (h/t the Guardian), he said: "Most of all I fear that Klopp is trying to lull us into a false sense of security and that he will try to get our fans on his side to ensure that the match feels like a friendly." 

He added: "I would like to see that our fans pay their respects to [Klopp] after the game but not before and not during it. We must stand together to be able to beat a club like Liverpool."

Klopp managed Dortmund for seven years before leaving the club last summer, and he took over at Anfield in October following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers.

As noted by Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby, the German was hoping not to meet his former side prior to the quarter-final draw:

However, per the Guardian's Andy Hunter, Klopp has embraced the opportunity to return to the Westfalenstadion: "I am really happy to introduce my new team to Dortmund. I am really happy to show the boys this wonderful stadium and a great city. We’re all happy," adding the reunion is "a story only football can write."

BVB have soared under Thomas Tuchel this season and remain in the hunt for an unlikely treble with the club five points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race and in the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal.

Despite Tuchel's excellent work, the supporters at the Westfalenstadion still revere Klopp, according to BT Sport Football's Andy Brassell:

Lusby believes there will be no love lost on the pitch, though, with the Reds set to put in a strong effort to win:

Bundesliga expert Alex Chaffer believes the two sides are the best left in the competition, and he is eagerly anticipating the showdown:

"

Dortmund vs. Liverpool is almost here. (Via @verobirk98) pic.twitter.com/hicOPToiz9

— Alex Chaffer (@AlexChaffer) April 4, 2016"

The Reds come into the game on the back of a largely positive performance against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, though as their failure to take three points showed, they still have plenty of room for improvement.

To overcome a confident and free-scoring Dortmund side, they'll need to be at their best. The reaction of the normally partisan crowd on Thursday will add an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a fascinating contest, though the most important factor in Liverpool's success will be their performance on the pitch.