Liverpool have to be taken seriously in the Champions League this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s side proved they can compete with the best when they reached the final in 2017-18 and they are even stronger this time around.

Liverpool’s style of play suits European football and playing in front of a raucous Anfield crowd in the home leg of each knockout round tie is a huge advantage.

After progressing from Group C in second place, Bayern Munich await the Reds in the round of 16.

The first leg will be played in Merseyside on February 19 and Klopp will return to his home country for the second fixture on March 13.

Liverpool have every reason to enter the tie with confidence; they have been the best team in England this season and are facing one of the least dominant Bayern sides in recent years.

And it’s clear from Joshua Kimmich’s recent quotes that Bayern know the challenge that Liverpool present.

Kimmich's opinion on Liverpool

The Bayern defender expressed his respect for Klopp’s side when he spoke to Sport Bild - but he also believes Liverpool won’t have been happy to draw the Bavarians.

“We have a great team. But Liverpool is one of the best teams in the world right now,” Kimmich said.

“They have everything: speed, technique; they are strong fighters.

“Everything is possible. It will be tough.”

Kimmich added: “But they certainly did not rejoice when they drew us. They know that we will be a tough cookie for them.”

The 23-year-old's quotes show just how far Klopp has taken his team.

Remember, Liverpool weren’t even playing European football in the 2016-17 season.

Now, they are feared by a club as big as Bayern Munich.

This comes from reaching the final of the Champions League and by sitting top of the Premier League through to the middle of January.

And with a stronger squad - Alisson Becker is living up to his reputation in goal and Virgil van Dijk is playing at an extraordinary level - Liverpool can certainly go one step further than last season.