Klopp: I wouldn’t swap front three for Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani
JURGEN KLOPP insists he wouldn’t swap his attack for any in the world – even PSG’s £420million men.
Tonight’s Champions League clash between Liverpool and the French giants is being billed as an all-star shootout between Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah and PSG superstars Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar.
Yet despite the stellar opposition, there is no contest in Klopp’s mind.
The Reds boss said: “I love my players, all of them, so I don’t want to change anything. I wouldn’t change them.”
Yet that doesn’t mean he isn’t wary of the threat posed by the world’s most expensive strikeforce. Klopp said: “I
DAVID MADDOCK watched Paris last year and I’ve watched them this year. It is impressive – just that good!
“Mbappe, what a World Cup he played. And we all know Neymar’s quality.
“Cavani’s also an outstanding goalscorer. Everybody knows about the quality of Paris. This team is built for winning the Champions League.”
Klopp admits they will be impossible to stop unless his side prevent Neymar, Cavani and Mbappe receiving the ball in dangerous areas.
But the incredible workrate of Liverpool’s front three allows them to be the first line of defence – and puts even the best teams under pressure.
The Anfield boss said: “It is the biggest test of our defending. If you let them pass in specific areas they decide alone if they score or not. Do that and you cannot avoid it.
“It’s only possible to stop them if you make everyone aware of how important it is to avoid each easy pass in that area. Avoid that and you have a chance. Don’t avoid that and you have no chance.”
Firmino is a doubt for tonight’s game after being poked in the eye by Spurs stopper Jan Vertonghen in the 2-1 win at Wembley last weekend. But PSG have all their star men fully fit after Neymar and Mbappe were rested for the 4-0 win over St Etienne.
Brazilian star Neymar steps back on to the big stage after coming under fire at the World Cup for histrionics.
The striker rolled around theatrically after being on the end of some fierce challenges in Russia but Klopp has