Liverpool have had their issues with playing the so called lesser clubs of the Premier League and their next game is up against Burnley, a side that had defeated the Reds early on in the season.
That was just the start of a number of limp displays against sides that are not in the top half of the league and the Reds would be looking to right some wrongs as they look to claim a place in the top four come the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp was speaking to the media before the game and provided a few key updates about what to expect from his side and which players will be starring for the Reds at Anfield.
There might be a problem for the Reds as one of their stars for this season; Roberto Firmino is a huge doubt for the game though Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson will surely miss the game.
“Sturridge and Henderson not available. Roberto Firmino struggles a little, felt something after the game and this week he couldn’t train, so we need to wait a little bit more and see.”
As stated earlier, Liverpool have been found out a number of times by smaller clubs and losses to the likes of Hull City, Bournemouth and even Burnley have been a major problem for the side. Klopp has often been labeled as a manager who does not have a plan B and the German was quick to refute that.
“People say I don’t have a Plan B or whatever. Yes, we know how to play. Have to cover specific spaces and make the right decisions. Can’t just say we can only concentrate on counter attacks, set pieces, whatever. It’s an all-round challenge.
“My job, how I understand it, is to help them find the right decisions easier. That’s what training is for. We have to prove it on the pitch. Before Arsenal, the mood was optimistic. In this moment I’m not sure we will win against Burnley but I’m quite optimistic, because if I can bring our boys on to the pitch, and not expect an easy game.
“We’re ready for the fight.”
The German was also quick to state that even though their opponents aren’t having the best of records away from home, they still carry a threat and the Reds have to be careful as they face Sean Dyche’s men.
“Burnley’s away record is not good but it’s not that they’ve had no chances. We just have to be ready for hard work.
“How I said the style of play (for them) is clear, they’re as good as they want to be. Performances more than results. They think they are close to it, but we think we are close to changing the situation. We will try all we can. We cannot compare Premier League teams to each other.”
The German also wants the crowd to be up for the game as the Clarets will be a tough team to play, even at home.
“Even when they have lost, it’s been close games. We need to be ready. We need to create an atmosphere & use advantage of Anfield.”
While Henderson and Sturridge are surely out, the German manager also added that Dejan Lovren could return to the side as he is back in training but is unsure about playing him.
The German also added that James Milner will be making his 600th Premier League appearance against Burnley.
“He’s played a lot of different positions. Was he a winger? A half 8? He played as a striker. That’s good and very important for us.
“600, though! That’s a number and a few to come, that’s impressive.”
The German was also quizzed about reaching the 100 point mark with the Reds this season but Klopp did state that he wanted to reach that milestone a little earlier.
“100 points sounds like a lot, but it could have been even quicker. It would have been nice. It’s all in a good way though, full of joy for the job and the challenge.”
Liverpool do need to win this game and should they do that, they will have a great chance of making it to the Champions League next season.
