Klopp Presser: Boss speaks on the game plan, United’s tactics and Liverpool’s Injuries ahead of the game

The biggest game of the Premier League season is here as Liverpool travel to Manchester United, a game which not only holds the key to our top four aspirations but also, possibly, finishing second in the Premier League.

We are just two points behind the Red Devils but are on top when it comes to the form in the last five games. The last time we faced our bitter rivals, it ended in a 0-0 draw and Jurgen Klopp will be looking to avoid a similar game at Old Trafford.

A win would be huge for us given that we have one of the best attacks in the world and the German manager was certainly not mincing his words when speaking in the pre-match press conference.

As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Klopp believes this is the biggest game he can imagine.

“It’s the biggest game I can imagine. Really looking forward to it. We need to be 100% to get something there. It’s a good moment to go there but they have outstanding quality.”

Klopp did add that playing at home is an advantage for them and that they do have a lot of experience but we too are in great form at the moment.

One of the talking points from Klopp’s meetings with Jose Mourinho has been the negative tactics taken up by the United manager but Klopp didn’t have a problem with that.

“I have no problem with defending. People say we play a specific style, they play a specific style. But it’s about winning and there are different ways to win.”

Counter-pressing Important Against United

Klopp did add that counter-pressing is important when facing United and even had a bit of a dig when he brought out the ‘bus’ term.

“Counter-pressing against a team like United is unbelievably important. There’s a reason why they have 2pts more than us. The big difference is we go there by bus – it’s quite close.”

Even though we have a better attack, our manager was not taking things lightly.

“They have counter-attacks and they play football. Maybe then there will be space in the back and that would help. They have massive quality. I respect that – but it doesn’t change our plan.”

Klopp did speak about the previous game but added that he would not be looking at that tie to prepare for this one as both teams have changed a lot since the start of the season.

“We didn’t play bad at Anfield. De Gea made some saves. We were 100% more attacking than United. The last game we played isn’t in my mind. They played games since then and we’ve done the same. It’s different teams, not just in terms of players.”

The German also added that the match would not be a season-defining one for us as a win would only take us one point above our rivals. What we would do for the rest of the season is prepare for each game, one by one, and hopefully, win each of them.

As far as team news is concerned, Klopp stated that Andrew Robertson and Jordan Henderson should be back in the lineup while Nathaniel Clyne would miss out as he is still recovering.

Klopp ended the conference as he spoke about Sadio Mane and Salah being two of the three most expensive African players in the world and that we would help the pair get closer to the Ballon d’Or if we can.

A win against United would be a perfect week for us given that we made it to the last 8 of the Champions League and hopefully, we will have a lot to celebrate at the end of the 90 minutes at Old Trafford on Saturday.