Klopp: Record bid is tricky task
Liverpool aim for 13th straight league victory Manager ‘not looking forward’ to Burnley trip
Jurgen Klopp visits Turf Moor this afternoon seeking a Liverpool club record and admitting he has complete respect for hosts Burnley and their manager, Sean Dyche.
But, nearly four almost relentlessly successful years into his reign as Liverpool manager, Klopp admits the prospect of a visit to the otherwise hospitable Lancashire town is not one he relishes.
Last season, in the corresponding fixture, Klopp criticised a number of sliding tackles, one of which sent defender Joe Gomez crashing into an advertising hoarding and left him with a fractured leg.
Yesterday, as Klopp prepared for what could be a record 13th straight league victory, the German was at his diplomatic best, but frank in explaining the events of last season.
“That night when I spoke, it was about refs who should whistle,” said Klopp. “There was an early challenge from [Phil] Bardsley sliding about seven metres. That is not to judge. There are more comfortable games. I respect Sean Dyche, but I am not looking forward to playing against his team because it is really good. What they do is really good and really difficult to defend.
“That’s when I speak about Burnley’s way. I speak of how they play offensively, not how they axe people. The channel balls, early crosses, the pressure they make from the wings, the strikers who go for each header, their super play on second ball, being there, shooting from distance. That’s what I respect.”
Klopp lost his first meeting with Burnley, in August 2016, but has since won four and drawn one of the teams’ past five contests, although one of his two Turf Moor victories required a 90th-minute winning goal.
“If I described Burnley as the ‘English’ side, that could be construed as really negative,” added Klopp. “I have no reason to say that. In my meeting I don’t say they are exceptionally hard. It is a normal football game.”
Today’s game will not be “normal,” however, if Liverpool record a 13th straight league win, something they have never done.
The league leaders have won three straight games at the start of this season – adding to nine victories at the end of the last campaign – although Klopp claims to have no interest in statistics and records.
He said: “When we started the season, it was not the target to make it 10 wins. I didn’t even know we had won nine.
“Of course momentum for this season, it’s very important, have it, keep it and treat it well. And if you don’t have it, try to get it back as soon as possible.
“That is 100 per cent true. That is what we have to keep – that 100 per cent focus and concentration on the opponent. What do we have to do differently from last week? The momentum we don’t talk about. We don’t do it.”
Klopp also praised teenage defender Trent Alexander-arnold for showing form that has convinced England manager Gareth Southgate to leave veteran Kyle Walker out of his latest squad, presumably handing the right-back spot to the Liverpool defender.
“That doesn’t mean that from now on Trent is the No1 full-back for the next 20 years,” said Klopp. “He has the skills to do so, but there are a lot of things you have to make sure. I am happy for him if he now has that position and is a bit closer to the first line-up. I think the last England game before the summer, that was exceptional.
“After that game I thought ‘wow’ that was unbelievable. He was involved in pretty much every offensive situation.”