Lovren hopes to avoid Real Madrid in semi-finals

CAIRO – 12 April 2018: Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren revealed on Wednesday that he does not want to face the title holders, Real Madrid, in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

“From a personal point of view, I don't want to face Real Madrid in the semi-finals; they have a lot of experience in the Champions League, a lot of records and – over the past three seasons – it is always them,” Lovren told BBC Sport.

Liverpool reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2008. They defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the second leg after defeating City 3-0 in the first leg.

Lovren unveiled his speech to his teammates during the half time when they were losing 1-0. He said to BBC, “I told the lads to wake up, because it was not good enough, and I said we were sitting too deep.”

Manchester City opened the score early in the game through Gabriel Jesus, at which point the team’s fans believed a comeback was just around the corner.

Lovren added, “I needed to remind the guys that we had 50 minutes to be in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and we needed to give more."

Liverpool returned to the game in the second half and scored two goals through Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool will know who they will face in the semi-finals when the draw will be held on Friday.