Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool need to be brave against Manchester City
Written by News on 09/11/2019
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has urged his side “to be brave” ahead of their top-of-the table Premier League clash with reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.
Klopp’s side hold a six-point lead over City after 11 games going into the match at Anfield, live on Sky Sports Premier League, with a chance to move nine points clear of their title rivals heading into the international break.
The Liverpool boss acknowledges the rivalry between the pair is “getting bigger and bigger” following a string of close games between the two sides.
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“It’s a big game, two really good teams facing each other at Anfield, under the floodlights,” Klopp said.
“The last three games we played 0-0 at home, then lost 2-1 at the Etihad where we nearly scored a goal and then the last one was a draw in the Community Shield, before we lost the shootout.”
“It will be a good football game – I’m not sure whether it will be just from a coaches and tactical point of view or a spectacle one for supporters.
“But everything is on a plate and no one hides anything, we cannot only be offensive but you have to be brave against Manchester City – even for a point.”
‘Even hot dog sellers have to be in top shape’
Jurgen Klopp has urged everyone connected to Liverpool to be on top form for the encounter – from his players and supporters even down to the matchday catering staff.
“We have to play our best game and everybody in the stadium has to be in absolutely top shape,” Klopp urged.
“The guys that sell the hot dogs have to be in top shape, everyone from the first second, get in the stadium, wait for the team to warm-up and be there.
“That is what I wish for – that before we even know whether we are going to get something that we invest all our emotions for the game and let’s play football.”
‘The right sort of intensity needed’
Although a big advocate of ‘fan power’, Klopp wants everyone connected to Liverpool to channel it in the right way during Sunday’s meeting.
It comes amid concerns of a repeat of when Manchester City’s coach was attacked ahead of the Champions League quarter-final meeting between the two sides in April 2018.
Merseyside Police insist a “comprehensive and appropriate” operation is in place for Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield with the Liverpool boss also urged collective responsibility.
“It’s senseless and if someone at Manchester City is concerned, it’s our fault,” Klopp said.
“It was one of us and we’re all responsible and have to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“We have never had a similar situation since then [the Champions League game] which is positive and it’s the welcome is still an important part of coming to Anfield.
“But you can’t overstep the line and everyone has to feel the responsibility to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Analysis
Sky Sports News reporter Vinny O’Connor was at Melwood on Friday. Here are his thoughts on Klopp’s news conference:
“Ahead of what is potentially Liverpool’s biggest game of the season it was the same old Jurgen. Big matches and big jobs can change the way managers operate, but Jurgen Klopp is the same personable fella he was when he first walked through the door at Anfield.
“If there has been any tension or nerves in the build-up to the visit of Manchester City on Sunday he is hiding it remarkably well. He was relaxed and calm and had previously taken time out from Liverpool’s training and preparations on Thursday to come over and speak to us journalists in the pouring rain. Manchester City and Pep Guardiola await on Sunday but here he was talking to us about the weather on Merseyside. What nerves?
“He knows this is a big game – there is no escaping the media build-up to such a massive clash – but he is embracing that challenge. He told the media he was happy that the rivalry between the two sides was growing as it meant Liverpool were to be considered a good team, worthy of the occasion.
“Despite his calm demeanour, Klopp knows what this game means. He called on everyone at Anfield to get behind the team and give 100 per cent – even the staff who sell the hot dogs!
“There were emotional moments in the news conference as well. Klopp spoke of his joy to hear that Sean Cox would be attending the game on Sunday. The German labelled the attack on Cox before a Champions League tie with Roma in April 2018 as the “lowest point of his Liverpool career” but is keen to meet him before the match this weekend.
“It is another example of how Klopp is such a good fit for Liverpool and the club’s ethos.
“He was keen to play down any simmering tension or mind games with his opposite number, calling Guardiola the “best manager in the world” and insisting they have a great relationship.
“That relationship will come under the microscope once again on Sunday afternoon but, until then, Klopp is playing it cool as he aims to guide Liverpool to Premier League glory.”
How to watch with Sky Sports
You can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with our TV build-up kicking-off at 1pm where David Jones will be joined by a host of Sky Sports pundits to preview the crunch encounter.
There is a whole range of options to complement and enhance your viewing experience with Sky Sports – for both subscribers and non-subscribers.
For non-subscribers, Liverpool vs Manchester City is accessible through a NOW TV pass. Grab a Month Pass for just £20.00.
Sky Premier League subscribers will also be able to tune in to watch the channel’s coverage on Sky Go.
- iOS users: Download the Sky Sports app from the App Store
- Android users: Download the Sky Sports app from the Play Store
You can also follow our live match blog across our digital platforms, where you will be able to watch all the major incidents via our expanded mobile clips service and keep up to date with all the action, including commentary, analysis and team line-ups.
Also, this season, you can watch Premier League highlights with Sky Sports just after the full-time whistle for free and without being a Sky Sports subscriber.
Want to catch-up? Highlights and the best of all the best from before, after and during the game will also be published On Demand.
(c) Sky Sports 2019: Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool need to be brave against Manchester City
