Liverpool's Klopp hopeful ahead of Villarreal Europa League clash

Just landed and basking in the sun on Spain's Iberian coast in advance of Thursday's Europa League semi-final tilt at the Estadio El Madrigal, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was hopeful of his side's chances against Villarreal.

Klopp spoke to reporters ahead of the first-leg final-four clash, with the ebullient German gaffer saying, "We will be prepared for our best game. They've made lot of good decisions to be here. We should not hope they only make bad decisions."

Flying high off the fumes of a miraculous come-from-behind quarter-finals defeat of Borussia Dortmund, Klopp is aware that the team's makeshift back four will face a test from Villarreal's attacks.

When pressed about the Yellow Submarines' potent duo of Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu, Klopp theorised that the best way to limit their chances was, "to avoid passes to them - maybe that's the best idea."

With Mamadou Sakho slated to miss the match after failing a drug test, Klopp will likely opt for second-choice centre-back Kolo Toure to pair with Dejan Lovren.

Related - Report: Sakho won't contest positive drug test

Well-versed in continental competition, having guided Dortmund to the 2012-13 Champions League final only to taste defeat at the hands of rival Bayern Munich, Klopp is weary of the influence of experience on preparations for a pivotal match.

"Experience is not to buy or talk about, it's to get and use. But if you use experience in the wrong way then it's bulls***.

"Thinking about the result is not one percent for preparation of the game. It is always about the performance."

Even ahead of Thursday's crucial tilt, Klopp and his translator had a bit of fun with the local media.