Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Wednesday heaped praise on Villarreal manager Unai Emery after the Reds booked their spot in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals following a 3-3 home draw with Benfica.

Speaking to the media after the match, the 54-year-old German first played down rumours that he was unhappy with the draw at Anfield.

“[It is] the day we qualify for the Champions League semi-final and I’m not happy. Please come and knock me out!,” Klopp told BT Sport after the match.

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“It was not exactly what we wanted but it is absolutely not important because if we played the best game of the season it wouldn’t have made it more likely to get to the final,” the German added.

“We never take something like this for granted. I am really happy. I know people talk about goals conceded but the day I am not over the moon about getting to the Champions League semi-final, something is really wrong,” Klopp said.

Having booked their spot in the UCL semi-final, Liverpool will face Villarreal, who knocked out Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Tuesday to progress to the last four for the first time in 16 years.

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Commenting on Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Villarreal, the German said, “Over both games Villarreal deserved to get through. They have probably the most successful cup competition manager in world football so he knows what he is doing.”

“Unai Emery is the king of the cups. It is unbelievable what he is doing,” the 54-year-old added.

The first legs of the two semi-finals – between Liverpool and Villarreal, and Manchester City and Real Madrid – will be played on April 26 and 27, while the second legs will take place a week later on May 3 and 4.