KLOPP CLAIMS HE HAS THE HUNGER TO SORT OUT LIVERPOOL
JURGEN KLOPP insists he has the hunger to turn Liverpool’s fortunes around and is adamant their cycle of success is not over. Liverpool have come in for fierce criticism following a desperate start to the campaign that sees them eight points off the top four. They have progressed to the knockout stages in the Champions League but face a stern test against Napoli tonight at Anfield. Klopp is ready for the challenge and said: ‘My job is not only being here in the moment when the sun is shining and someone gives us a trophy. ‘My job is also to be here when we are in a really rough period and I will do that, with all I have, and if possible even more, 100 per cent. ‘Everything will be judged on me now and that is absolutely fine. When people look at me, they will say he looks tired. That is normal. But I am not. I am not. I cannot give that excuse.’ This, Klopp readily accepted, was a period unlike anything he has faced during his time at Liverpool. Having once been so energetic and carrying a reputation that made them feared across Europe, suddenly they look leaden, vulnerable and easily beaten. It was suggested that Liverpool’s drop-off has something to do with them lacking fight but this was taken as an affront by Klopp, who will not countenance the idea his team’s attitude needs to be questioned. Equally, though, he concedes they are making it easy for critics to take shots. Europe offers Liverpool a break from domestic struggles tonight but there is nothing easy about this challenge against Napoli, a team humming with vibrancy. Another defeat to Luciano Spalletti’s men will only increase the debate that Liverpool’s time is up — but Klopp won’t consider that yet. ‘I think the judgment for this will be later in the season,’ said Klopp. ‘Or, maybe, it will be at the end of the season where we say: “OK, obviously now that is it for this group of players or whatever. For this manager, if you want.” ‘The question will be asked then but, in the moment, it is not 100-per-cent fair to judge the team — that means the squad — because we never had them (all) available. Especially now up front, top quality, which is not helpful. ‘That doesn’t mean the others are not top
quality but with the amount of games we had, we would usually make changes and we can’t do that.’ This is true. Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and loan signing Arthur Melo are out until the New Year, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita suffered such serious injuries in the summer they were not included in Liverpool’s European squad. There is, nonetheless, far more to it than missing personnel. Leeds, for instance, ran all over Liverpool on Saturday when winning 2-1 and Napoli, who lead Serie A and whom Klopp believes are Europe’s most in-form team, have it within them to accelerate the ageing process. No matter that Liverpool’s place in the last 16 is already secured, this fixture is hugely important for Klopp and he is desperate to see a flicker of
Liverpool’s flame. This is not about winning by a four-goal margin to take top spot in Group A. It is about seeing the return of the values he cherishes. ‘The whole thing starts with winning the first challenge,’ said Klopp, who will restore Ibrahima Konate to his defence after the defender recovered from a muscle issue. ‘Let’s celebrate it on the pitch and in the stands — not running around, but just feeling it. ‘That is the first step in the right direction and go from there. It is a rough moment, no doubt about that, and no one is flying here like life is great. But there is only one chance to face it: so let’s go for it and that is what we will do.’
Kick-off: 8pm, Anfield. TV: LIVE on BT Sport 3. Referee: Tobias Stieler (Germany).