Key Takeaways from Jurgen Klopp’s pre-Norwich City press conference
With a 22-point lead at the top of the table, Jurgen Klopp would have enjoyed his time off for the winter break. The Reds Boss isn’t one to slack off, however, and he looked the part today in the pre-match press conference as Liverpool take on Norwich City at Carrow Road.
A victory will put Liverpool 25 points clear at the top and one step closer to the title. The tie will be Klopp’s 250th match in charge of the Reds. The German will become the eighth Liverpool manager overall and just the third in the Premiership era to achieve the feat.
Liverpool needs just 18 points from the last 13 games to clinch the title. The last time both these teams played at Carrow road was when Adam Lallana famously scored a last-minute winner to win the game 5-4 before Benteke went on to smash Klopp’s glasses.
We take a look at the German’s presser below
Importance of mid-season break
Klopp was insistent that his players enjoy time off during the break. The German was good for his word as he gave the first team the two weeks off in order to recover and recharge.
“Rest is only one word, it’s recovery, it’s recharging and that’s why we wanted it.”
Claiming that he could see a difference in training, the Reds boss said it how you make use of it that makes the difference. The Liverpool team had time off followed by a full week of training.
He believes that his squad will now come back stronger as Liverpool’s head into the final stretch of the season. Klopp stated that rest is important irrespective of how much a player earns and that it is not possible to please everybody.
The 52-year old also stressed on the importance of having a full week of training to help the players rediscover their rhythm.
Fitness updates
In what will be music to Liverpool fans’ ears, James Milner and Sadio Mane have been declared fit to take part in the match against Norwich. Mane missed the matches against West Ham United and Southampton after picking up an injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Milner, on the other hand, returns after missing most of January after injuring himself against Everton in the FA Cup. The return of the seasoned duo will add more options to Klopp’s plans with the UEFA Champions League also set to return.
With the exceptions of Xherdan Shaqiri, Nathaniel Clyne and Paul Glatzel, Klopp has a fit squad to choose from.
On Norwich
Klopp praised Daniel Farke and his team for sticking to their principles. He reminisced on the difficulties Norwich caused Liverpool on the opening day of the season and expects a tough game again.
The German also complimented his Norwich counterpart on his ability. He further called upon his team to show the Canaries Liverpool’s quality. He also complimented Norwich’s vision of building for the future.
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Liverpool are unbeaten in 42 Premier League games going into this match. The Reds are just seven away from Arsenal’s record of 49.
