All humming along says Klopp

room there is no chance. That’s how it is.

“Hendo didn’t start against United or Milly [James Milner] because of injury but if you see who is talking in our dressing room before a game when the music is loud and people are shouting it is Milly and Hendo.

“Now Virg starts, even Ali throws in a few words. It is always the same players.”

Klopp believes the run to last season’s Champions League final helped create the dressing room buzz at Liverpool. They may have lost to Real Madrid but the ride brought the squad together as they were released from the pressure of the Premier League.

“Of course the experience and the ride in the Champions League helps a lot, the atmosphere around these games was outstanding,” said Klopp.

“It is not a holiday, obviously, but it is away from the pressure of the Premier League and no one expected us to get to the final, to beat City and all that stuff. But we could and that helped a lot.”

Klopp will be without Joel Matip and Joe Gomez over Christmas but he is hopeful defender Dejan Lovren will fit be to partner Van Dijk in the busy period.

Despite being top of the Premier League Klopp believes City are still the team to catch.

“I can’t say that City are lucky here and lucky there. They aren’t. Every matchday they are spot on,” he said. “They were last year, when they got 100 points and they stay in that mode. Chapeau [Hats off]. I have to say it. There’s no sign of weakness there.

“They are the champions. And they like champions.” current still play