Strong Spurs grind it out, says Jurgen

JURGEN KLOPP has branded Tottenham a results machine and warned Liverpool of the threat Jose Mourinho poses to their quest to become champions again. Liverpool’s manager has enjoyed a strong record against Mourinho whenever their paths have crossed during the last five years. The last time the Portuguese boss was at Anfield, a 3-1 defeat led to him losing his job at Manchester United. Mourinho returned to management at Tottenham with a point to prove and Klopp is adamant Spurs will be competing in the title race right through the campaign. Tonight’s match will be a significant challenge for Liverpool, whose injury crisis shows little sign of abating, and the German wants his team prepared. ‘I’m not surprised (that people question Mourinho) because that’s the world we are living in,’ said Klopp. ‘You are very successful until yesterday. And if you cannot prove it today, then people go for you. I don’t think he was surprised at that. But he showed comeback skills. ‘It’s very impressive what they did at Tottenham, the way they played this year is really good. He turned them into a results machine. They have good performances and if they are not on top form they still win. They defend collectively, very impressive. ‘At all times when you play against Tottenham, it’s clear that you have to make sure that Harry Kane is not too much involved in the game, which is difficult. With Son Heung-min it’s the same, and the working relationship they have at the moment, it clicked properly.’ It will be an emotional night at Anfield following the death of the club’s legendary former manager Gerard Houllier at the age of 73. Liverpool will mark the occasion with a minute’s applause for the Frenchman, while the team will wear black armbands. Houllier provided unrelenting support for Liverpool’s current manager right from when he was appointed in October 2015, and Klopp (pictured) paid an emotional tribute, leaving the impression that he will have his team tuned up to get a fitting result. ‘I have only the best memories of him,’ said Klopp. ‘I met him a few times, since I am at Liverpool we were in contact, he texted a lot. A very, very supportive man, a great, great coach and an even better human being. Very warm personality. A big miss for his family, his friends and for Liverpool as well. ‘He is a true legend of this club.’