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Michael Pfeifer is the Hoffenheim expert for highly respected German football magazine kicker.

We spoke to him to get the inside track on Liverpool’s Champions League play-off opponents ahead of Tuesday night’s first leg at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

What was the reaction like in Hoffenheim when they were drawn against Liverpool?

They were torn. “This is the most difficult opponent,” admitted striker Andrej Kramaric. However, on the other hand, everyone in the club is happy about this very attractive task and the enormous public attention on this tie.

This is the first time Hoffenheim have qualified for Europe. How big an occasion is Tuesday night for the club?

It’s huge. This duel with Liverpool will undoubtedly be the biggest event in the history of the club.

It’s been a remarkable rise for the club over the past decade. Is it all down to the financial backing of billionaire Dietmar Hopp?

Hopp certainly laid the groundwork with his investment, but the patrons place great value on the fact that the club is financially independent now. Liverpool had a part to play in that by paying them 40million Euros for Firmino.

Hoffenheim were 17th when Julian Nagelsmann took over as manager in February 2016 and he led them to a fourth placed finish in the Bundesliga last term. How would you describe the impact of the 30-year-old and how do you think he will approach the first leg?

Nagelsmann has gained the highest recognition in Germany within a year. He is in all areas absolutely top level: training, tactics, coaching, media work. He will also try to get Liverpool to decide the game and attack them where it hurts.

Niklas Sule and Sebastian Rudy left to join Bayern Munich. How big a loss are they? Who have they signed this summer to fill those gaps and are they as strong as last season?

To replace Sule, Havard Nordtveit was signed from West Ham and he has plenty of experience. They also signed Justin Hoogma, a young Dutch defender with potential from Heracles Almelo. Rudy could not be adequately replaced.

What kind of reception will Firmino get on his return to Hoffenheim? And how about Klopp?

Firmino will certainly be welcomed back. He’s still very popular among the club’s supporters. Klopp, on the other hand, polarises opinion in Germany so there will be different reactions to him in the stadium.

(Image: AMELIE QUERFURTH/AFP/Getty Images)

Hoffenheim were unbeaten at home all last season. How much of that do you think is down to the atmosphere at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena?

The strength of the home support certainly gives the team a lot of confidence. The stadium will be sold out and they will support their team fully. However, don’t expect a cauldron like at Anfield on European nights.

Liverpool conceded from two corners at Watford on Saturday and were poor defensively. I’m guessing that Hoffenheim have been working on their set-pieces...

Hoffenheim’s scouts have certainly recognised this weakness in the Liverpool team. It’s an area of the game where Hoffenheim can be very dangerous. They have some very strong players in the air with the likes of Hübner and Wagner.

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Any team news?

Apart from Adam Szalai (calf injury) and Florian Grillitsch (metatarsal), Hoffenheim have everyone fit.

Finally, what’s your prediction for Tuesday night and who do you expect to progress to the group stage?

A lot will depend on the outcome of the first game. If Hoffenheim succeed in keeping a clean sheet then their chances of going through will grow tremendously.

Away from home, this team are capable of scoring a goal at any time. This is also true for Liverpool who have the advantage of being able to play first away from home.

I’m expecting an open game but with their much greater experience the advantage lies with Liverpool.