'He said we'd stay in contact' - Union Saint-Gilloise boss makes Jurgen Klopp transfer admission before Liverpool clash

Union Saint-Gilloise boss Alexander Blessin has explained how he was almost signed by Jurgen Klopp – and has warned Liverpool his players have nothing to lose as they eye a European shock.

The Reds entertain the Belgian league leaders in their second Europa League group game at Anfield on Thursday evening. Union, who drew 1-1 at home to Toulouse in their group opener a fortnight ago, have lost only two of 12 games in all competitions this season and have won their last three outings.

And boss Blessin, who briefly came up against Klopp during their playing days, has revealed how he was targeted shortly after his fellow German took over in charge at Mainz.

“There was a time when he was a player and then he became the coach at Mainz and he was planning his new squad,” said Blessin. “He called me and asked, ‘how are you, fine, blah blah blah’, and we knew each other there a little bit.

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“He said we’d stay in contact and I never heard anything back! I think it was a few years ago when I was with him at a benefit game and then we had smalltalk. It’s not like we know each other really well. This is the only thing I can say about it.”

Of playing at Anfield, Blessin admitted: “It’s a big thing. I am smiling over my whole face, so it’s nice to play here. When I saw the players taking photos earlier, I took some photos and it’s amazing to be in the stadium and to play in this stadium. We will do our best to show a good performance.

“We know the quality of the Liverpool team, we don’t have to speak about that. It’s amazing and to have this feeling