Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said emotions will not get the better of him when he faces former club Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League.
Dortmund host Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal next Thursday, six months after Klopp took over at Anfield having parted company with the Bundesliga club last summer.
During his seven years in charge of Dortmund, Klopp guided the club to two Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and to the 2013 Champions League final.
"It's not going to be an inner battle between my old and my new love," the German coach said. "It won't be a problem for me. Before I joined BVB, I had a good relationship with FSV Mainz 05. We are all aware how incredibly difficult this draw is for us.
"They are the runaway favourites in this competition. But we'd also like to stay in it for a bit longer. We just know that it's going to be extremely difficult."
Klopp added that while the return to Dortmund will be a "special situation" for him, he until now has not spent time dwelling on how it will pan out, although he did say "it's cool to be part of it when those two team finally meet again."
Under new boss Thomas Tuchel, Dortmund are enjoying an outstanding season and with 64 points after 27 matches are better than any other club ranked second in the league's entire history.
When asked how to play a team like Dortmund, Klopp answered: "Courageously.
"They way Dortmund plays commands enormous respect. But on a good day, and we'll definitely need it, and when put our plan into action we have a chance. We always had a relatively good plan against teams who play football well. We will not rest anyone."
Klopp added that he felt "no pressure other than to play a good match" when returning to Dortmund, and went on to discuss his new life in Liverpool.
He said: "It feels good. The surroundings are fantastic. To live right at the seaside has advantages, but also disadvantages looking at the weather.
"You can lead a fantastic life here. People are used to my face right now where I leave, and you wouldn't believe but as Premier League manager life is pretty normal in England."
After six months up in Liverpool, the language barrier has also become less of a problem, Klopp added.
"I still can't express myself like I want to do, but it's getting better, particularly the understanding part," he said. "That's incredibly helpful in all the talks I have to hold. I feel completely contented in my work here."