‘No problems’ for Liverpool as they face Stoke; Manchester City drawn with Everton

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool say they would have been fine with whomever in the League Cup semi-finals, and as it happens with match up with Stoke City.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shown after his team's Europa League win last week. Peter Powell / EPA / November 26, 2015

Liverpool were drawn to face Stoke City in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, opening up the possibility of a final against either Manchester City or Merseyside rivals Everton.

Divock Origi scored a hat-trick and Daniel Sturridge a double as Liverpool stormed back from behind to crush Southampton 6-1 in the quarter-finals and their reward was a last-four tie against Stoke.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have now won seven of their last eight matches, including a 4-1 win at Manchester City, and the German said he had no qualms about who his side might face in the February 28 final.

“I have absolutely no problems with a match against Everton. As you could see, we have no problems with matches against Manchester City,” he told his post-match press conference at St Mary’s Stadium.

“But we got Stoke. I had a few finals in my life. There was never an easy one and Stoke will want this final with everything they have. But it’s in January, so we have to wait a little bit.”

Liverpool, who hold the record for League Cup successes with eight, last won the tournament in 2012.

Current Premier League leaders Manchester City won the League Cup in 2014, but Everton have never lifted the trophy and Stoke have not ventured as far as the last four since they won the competition in 1972.

League Cup semi-final draw (two-legged ties to be played weeks commencing January 4 and January 25):

Everton v Manchester City

Stoke City v Liverpool

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