Clubs circle Sakho
EMRE CAN has revealed how “crazy” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has brought the fear factor back to Anfield.
A year ago Klopp questioned his players after a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace, which sparked a mass walkout from disgruntled supporters before the final whistle.
Liverpool were becoming a team with a soft underbelly at home. They finished last season with just eight home wins in the league yet are now unbeaten in 18 games.
Klopp’s title challengers look a very different proposition and Can believes fortress Anfield is a reflection of the players grasping the manager’s unique message and the amazing fitness levels he demands.
The German midfielder said: “I knew before that he was a little bit crazy, positive crazy, and that is how he is.
“It takes time to play that style the manager wants and now he is longer than one year here we know what he wants from us and what we have to do on the pitch.
“Everyone wants to go and give everything for the team and that I think is the most important thing.
“Pre- season was very hard. I remember the manager saying the target was to be the fittest team in the league. If you look at the statistics, MAMADOU SAKHO is on his way out of Liverpool in January – with Leicester and West Ham among the Premier League clubs already showing an interest.
The 26-year-old France defender fell out of favour with Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp over the summer and has not played a game for the Reds this season.
Now his exit is set to be sealed when the transfer window reopens.
Last season Sakho (right) was a we are the best for high intensity. We run a lot. I think every game I run more than 11km, I think that is enough.
“If teams come to Anfield, they don’t think they will win the games easily.
“It is not nice to play against us. I know that because when I used to play against a Jurgen Klopp team in the Bundesliga, it was never nice.
“They counter-pressed. If you had the ball, the opponents are coming and you have to play quickly. That is what I think teams are thinking about us.”
Liverpool entertain Watford today having lost only once all season and Liverpool regular until he was suspended by the club in April for failing a dope test.
He was accused of taking weight control pills containing a banned substance.
The charge was subsequently dropped by UEFA and Sakho went on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States, only to be sent home after a rift with his boss.
Both Liverpool and the player are happy for a parting of the ways in January and that has opened the door to the Foxes and the Hammers, who are both looking for reinforcements in defence.
Surprised