Jurgen Klopp makes demanding claim ahead of the Manchester City vs Liverpool FA Cup semi-final
Speaking in the pre-match presser ahead of the Manchester City vs Liverpool FA Cup tie as quoted by Sky Sports, Jurgen Klopp hinted that his team should play on a different level in comparison to their last game against each other.
The Reds had to settle for a tie in their last encounter against the Citizens in the Premier League. The German manager then rested some of his top players as the Anfield outfit played out a 3-3 thriller against Benfica, enough for them to progress to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool are having a pretty productive season so far, already bagging the EFL Cup in February this year. They are on the cusp of a potential quadruple but will have to down Man City at Wembley coming Saturday if they want to achieve this nigh on impossible feat.
Speaking to the media as quoted by Sky Sports, Jurgen Klopp highlighted the amount of thought that goes into such a game. He admitted that his side wasn’t at its best last time around.
“We think a lot about these games. We have to. City were really strong last week and we were not at our best. So, I’d like to see a game where we are at our best. It would be interesting so why don’t we give that a try? That would be nice, it could be a surprise if all of a sudden, we are good.”
The former Borussia Dortmund manager highlighted that there were some good moments in the game. That being said, the Reds can perform at a different level, and downing our arch-rivals in a crucial cup game would be a dream come true of sorts.
“The boys did a lot of good stuff in the game, but there were a couple of things and I know that we can perform to a different level. Then it’s a cup game, a one-off, and if it’s 2-2 again then it’s 120 minutes then it’s penalties, that would be really crazy to go all the way.”
Battle ready for Man City
Liverpool and Manchester City have in the last few seasons enjoyed a heated rivalry. Despite that, both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have treated each other with immense respect throughout their time as managers.
The Merseysiders did seem a bit off the pace at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday but were saved the blushes on a few occasions. The Anfield outfit now gets a fair shot at redemption and they could have the edge after the Citizens who had to endure a gruelling 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid.
That match would have left Pep Guardiola’s men emotionally and physically drained, with cards flying left and right and an altercation in the tunnel after the full-time whistle. Tempers were flaring everywhere and it would be interesting to see how Man City recuperates from that challenge.
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In his press conference, he also gave an update on Diogo Jota who picked up a knock against Benfica in their latest Champions League encounter. Klopp stated that they still needed to assess the situation, but there was a good chance that the Portuguese would be available for the match against City.
The fans would be hoping that Liverpool comes out all guns blazing against Manchester City. That being said, it would require the utmost focus and determination to down the defending PL champions. But all in all, it should account for a thrilling fixture at Wembley.
