70WE’VE GOT TARGET Daily Express
Rivals will be out to get us but we’re used to that by now says Reds boss
JURGEN KLOPP knows Liverpool’s players will have a target on their backs this season – but it is nothing new for the Premier League champions.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has already spoken of his club’s desire to do whatever it takes to catch the Reds.
And while the title holders are always the side to beat, boss Klopp feels that has always been the case with Liverpool, even before they became champions.
“In the beginning since I have been here, I was really surprised how much a game against Liverpool meant to all the other teams even when we were not considered the Liverpool of the past,” the German said.
“We were seventh, eighth in the league and then when you arrive in the stadium, they really have a proper go for it.
“That never changed, so I am not sure whether there can be a bigger target on our back than what we already had.”
Liverpool went into last season as European champions.
“Everybody wanted to beat us and obviously for a good reason,” added Klopp.
“Not many could do it so I don’t think that will change. That is good. That is what competition is. But it is about how we feel.
“If we think now about what other teams want to do with us, then we already have the first problem. We usually don’t think about that, we don’t think about the tactics, what they do, why they are motivated to win against us.
“We think about why we want to win the game. If we would change that and think constantly that because we are champions they want to beat us more, then we lose a few per cent of our approach, mood, attitude. I am not ready for that.”
Liverpool, who begin their Premier League campaign at home to Leeds on September 12, face Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley today.
The traditional curtain-raiser is usually a week before the new term begins but the Nations League takes centre stage next week.
Liverpool look to retain the Premier League title after finishing 18 points clear of second-placed City last season. “Probably every year it is harder,” said Klopp. “Was it easy last year? For sure, not. It looked like that in moments but that was only because we were a results machine.
“That is the only reason. It was hard in every game.We had to fight so hard in all the games.
“If you make a lot of changes to a squad then that is good – but it does more good in the long term than the short term because you need to get used to each other and all that kind of stuff. It is not a big advantage, it is a little advantage, but we are used to each other. We know what we are doing in specific moments.
“We know we have to mix it up with a sensational attitude and a sensational desire within the game. “We have to be really aggressive in our runs, in our movements, all that stuff.
“We have to be constantly in a 100 per cent mood of always go with what you have. “Last year it was difficult, the year before it was difficult for City. It will be difficult for everybody but it’s not decided yet so let’s give it a try.”