Klopp promises to ‘attack’ EPL crown not defend it; Salah targets long stay at Liverpool

Coach Klopp warned of the threat that City, a resurgent Manchester United and Chelsea, bolstered by the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, would pose next season

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his side will not rest on their laurels next season after ending a 30-year wait to win the Premier League.

The newly crowned champions head to closest challengers Manchester City on Thursday looking to build on their 23-point lead at the top of the table.

Klopp warned of the threat that City, a resurgent Manchester United and Chelsea, bolstered by the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, would pose next season.

However, he dismissed any notion that Liverpool will slacken off after setting a record-breaking pace to claim the title with seven games to spare this season.

“We will not defend the title next year, we will attack it,” said Klopp on a videoconference on Wednesday.

“I’ve learned when you think you have reached the pinnacle, you are already on the way down.

“We don’t feel that. I don’t feel finally satisfied. It’s another step. It’s a big one, an unbelievably big one, but not the only thing I want to talk with the boys about in 20 years’ time.”

There were wild celebrations from Klopp, his players and Liverpool fans last Thursday when City’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea finally ended the three-decade wait.

But having had their title party delayed by three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Klopp wants to finish the season strongly and get back in rhythm ahead of a quick turnaround into the 2020/21 campaign.

“We prepare Man City with full focus,” said the German. “That doesn’t mean we will beat them, but it means we are prepared. That is how we will prepare next season as well.

“We are not tired. We are just in the middle of something.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah says he wants to remain at the Premier League champions for a long time and says the team have developed a perfect understanding.

The Egypt international, who signed a new five-year deal in 2018, was the top scorer at the club this season with 17 Premier League goals as they secured a 19th top-flight title with seven games to spare.

“I’m very happy... I can’t describe my feelings after we won the league after 30 years. I can see people’s joy and this is so important for all of us,” Salah told BEIN Sport.

“I enjoy the atmosphere here ... I love this place and I hope to stay for a long time. The atmosphere here is different to any other place.

“We have adapted well as a team and our understanding is perfect. If this continues, we can achieve more. It’s difficult to maintain our current level, but it’s not impossible.”

Salah hailed the impact of club captain Jordan Henderson and said he would pick the midfielder as the best player in the league this season.

“Maybe I’ll choose Henderson because he’s the captain and he’s been here for about eight-nine years. He had a difficult time in the beginning and he was heavily criticized,” he said.

“... He, as a captain, is loved by all of us and he tries to help all players and helps youth players to adapt.”