Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp addressed the media ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Monday night.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the match
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has told reporters games with Manchester United will never be normal and says the more interest there is in the game, the more excitement there, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Klopp’s side sit in fourth place on 16 points from their opening seven games – but doesn’t seem to get too carried away in terms of the importance of the fixture on the Premier League standings – though a victory could see them open up a six-point cushion over their rivals.
He told reporters at his press conference, as reported by the Liverpool Echo: “Apart from the table, it’s a very important game. I know about the history, I like the special stories. The whole world will watch this game, it’s a big honour to be part of it.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
“At the end, it’s up to us to perform to our best.
“We should use this opportunity on the pitch, all the nice stories are written on the pitch, in the stadium, with big respect because that’s what it stands for.”
In terms of his team selection, Klopp remains tight lipped but has admitted that playing on the Monday following the international break has one or two advantages for his side.
Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho both played in World Cup qualifiers in South America and have had long trips, but would be likely to start the game if both are fit.
He added: “Roberto could have made a little bit more in the last session, Phil played nearly two complete games and had a long flight. It’s a long trip, right?
“Each day, each hour helps.”
Klopp is wary of the threat that United will provide on Monday evening and highlighted the threat of two of Jose Mourinho’s summer signings in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, and said it’s a strong side to come up against.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
“Unfortunately this is a really strong side from Manchester, they know about football, they’re experienced, cool in the right moments, they don’t need world class performances to win a game.
“Even on rainy days, it’s possible to score and win – they have those types in the team, but it doesn’t mean they will win the game. It just means they have a chance.”
One man whose importance has grown under Klopp since the German was appointed a year ago has been Roberto Firmino – who has been a near ever-present in the side after struggling to establish himself in the few games he played under Brendan Rodgers.
Klopp went on to say: “He’s a really good football player, he loves what he’s doing, he’s a great team-mate for the other guys. It’s not too important if he scores or not, for him. It’s a big pleasure.”
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates
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