Villarreal vs. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's Key Quotes from Europa League Presser

Jurgen Klopp took a moment to consider how far his Liverpool side have progressed this season ahead of their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg against Villarreal on Thursday.

Speaking in his pregame presser, the Anfield boss also expressed his satisfaction at seeing the recent verdict ruling in favour of the families of the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy.

Looking toward the game with the Yellow Submarine, Klopp insisted advancing this far in the competition seemed unlikely when he replaced Brendan Rodgers earlier this season:

But Klopp knows that overcoming a very capable Villarreal outfit won't be easy. Despite reaching a UEFA Champions League final with former club Borussia Dortmund in 2013, Klopp isn't viewing his pedigree in Europe as an advantage(warning strong language):

Instead, Klopp has insisted all that matters is how his players approach things on the pitch, according to Press Association reporter Carl Markham:

Asked about the recent ruling from the Hillsborough inquest, Klopp applauded the patience of the grieving relatives who waited for the truth, per Tony Barrett of the Times:

The Liverpool manager said he was relieved the families had received the verdict they wanted, according to the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce:

Liverpool produced a minor miracle when they stunned Dortmund in the last eight, but Villarreal won't crumble as easily.

The Spanish side defend with discipline and combine with intelligence in the final third. Klopp is right to be wary of the challenge.