Liverpool manager Klopp sympathises with Brentford’s loss of star striker Ivan Toney
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has plenty of respect and wariness for today’s opponents Brentford, even though the Bees are missing the talents of their top striker Ivan Toney.
In his pre-match press conference covered by Liverpool’s official website, Klopp was quick to acknowledge that Brentford have adapted well to cope without Toney’s scoring punch up front this season.
Toney, who was Brentford’s leading marksman for the previous three campaigns, is currently in the midst of serving an eight-month suspension for breaching betting regulations. He is unavailable until January 16th.
Brentford have been well-organised despite the unavailability of their star striker
But Jurgen Klopp noted that Brentford have remained organized and competitive under manager Thomas Frank despite the lengthy absence of Toney.
‘They are stable in the table, that’s probably what Brentford want – getting through this situation and then when he is coming back, using him again or whatever.’
The Liverpool boss expanded on how Brentford have managed to enjoy a solid season so far without their first-choice striker leading the line week in, and week out.
‘It’s well organised; had a few problems in the season, I would say, to get used to the game without Ivan but when you look at the table they are in the middle with a tendency [of] going up.’
Currently sitting 9th in the Premier League, Brentford come into the Anfield clash on a strong run of three consecutive victories. Klopp understands that Frank has expertly organized his squad to maintain momentum despite lacking Toney’s ruthlessness in front of goal.
While Liverpool will still expect a difficult challenge today, Klopp was keen to talk up Brentford’s ability to get results and progress up the table, proving they can thrive as a collective until Toney returns.
Klopp will hope his free-flowing Liverpool attack, led by the likes of Salah and Nunez, can unlock Brentford’s famously well-drilled defence. But he knows dropping points is a distinct possibility if Liverpool are not at their very best. In the end, Klopp sees Brentford’s resolute form in Toney’s absence as proof they remain a feisty opponent that could make Liverpool pay for any complacency.
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If Liverpool brings their A-game, their quality should prevail. But Klopp understands Brentford’s resilience, work ethic and tactical discipline means his Reds must match the Bees’ motivation to avoid a slip-up following their loss against Toulouse in the Europa League.
