It's not about Jose and me: Klopp
Oct 17, 2016 - 4:14 AM Liverpool manager Juregen Klopp insists the Reds' meeting with Manchester United is not a personal battle between him and Jose Mourinho.The pair have met previously when at Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively, and while they may be two of the top coaches in the world the German said the result on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) will be determined by the players.
"I've said before it's not Mourinho against Klopp - that would make the game much easier," the Liverpool boss told LFC TV.
"He is a very successful and very experienced colleague. We had a few talks before the games, especially against Real Madrid.
"It was always difficult, because he always has good teams behind him I would say. (It's) always a big challenge and that's how it is this time.
"This is Liverpool against United, two good sides. We are in the race for three points and that's the only thing I need."
Klopp's first Premier League meeting with Liverpool's arch rivals ended in a 1-0 home defeat in January, but his side got the better of United in a two-legged Europa League last-16 tie a couple of months later.
He joked he may just resurrect his team talk from March before the Anfield encounter.
"I don't write down what I say before games, but maybe I could use it again for the next Man United game," he added.
"We have a lot of things to do until the game, but we'll be ready, that's the only thing I can promise. We'll try everything, I am really looking forward to it.
"I am quite optimistic because we have a wonderful opportunity to play a home game under the floodlights.
"It will be a fantastic atmosphere and trying your best in a situation like this is the best thing I can imagine when I think of football."
United defender Daley Blind played four times against Liverpool in his first season at Old Trafford so already has a record of two wins, one draw and one defeat.
The Holland international is relishing the chance to lock horns again in the Premier League.
"These are the games you live for when you are young, growing up wanting to be a footballer," Blind told MUTV.
Liverpool's fallibility at set-pieces is well-documented and Blind believes United can take advantage.
"We have a lot of height in the box and we must use that," he added.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Liverpool land Van Dijk for record fee Dec 27
- Klopp defends Liverpool's rearguard action Dec 25
- Klopp calls for consistency from Liverpool Dec 17
- Klopp defends rotation after home draws Dec 15
- Klopp rages again as 'Pool held to draw Dec 13
- Klopp unsure how long Moreno will be out Dec 12
- Coutinho refuses to commit to Liverpool Dec 7
- Klopp won't take progression for granted Dec 5
- EPL City's to lose but Klopp won't give up Nov 28
- Salah has nothing to prove, claims Klopp Nov 24
- Liverpool probe fans' mistreatment claims Nov 22
- Lallana in Liverpool squad to face Sevilla Nov 20