Rolfes' attacking verve and Xhaka's warning before Anfield: "Then it will be very difficult"

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director warns about trip to Liverpool - but Xherdan Shaqiri sees the task for what it is

The sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen, Rudi Völler, has warned about the trip to Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16. "We have to be very careful there. It will be a very difficult task," said Völler on Wednesday.

The former national team director also emphasized that the Reds' home record was impressive. "They have not lost at home in Europe since 2014," said Völler. "That shows how strong they are at home.

Bayer Leverkusen will play in Liverpool on February 22nd. The return leg takes place on March 17th in Leverkusen. Völler said he was expecting a "very intense" game. "Liverpool have a lot of experience in the Champions League and they are one of the best teams in Europe," he said.

Leverkusen's Xherdan Shaqiri is also aware of the difficulty of the task ahead. "Liverpool is a top team with world-class players," said the Swiss international. "We will have to be at our best to get a good result." Shaqiri, who played for Liverpool from 2018 to 2021, added that he was looking forward to the reunion. "It's always a special feeling to go back to Anfield," he said. "I had a great time there and I'm still in touch with some of the players."

However, Shaqiri also emphasized that the task for Leverkusen was clear. "We want to win the game and we want to qualify for the next round," he said. "We know it will be difficult, but we believe in ourselves."

Leverkusen is currently in third place in the Bundesliga, while Liverpool is in seventh place in the Premier League. In the Champions League, Leverkusen is in second place in Group B behind Club Brugge, while Liverpool is in first place in Group A.