Klopp wants a reaction after Napoli defeat
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Wednesday’s disappointing defeat by Napoli could boost his side’s chances of beating Manchester City tomorrow.
The biggest match of the Premier League season so far sees the top two teams, who are separated only by goal difference, face each other at Anfield.
Liverpool have drawn most of the plaudits for their start to the campaign but go into the match on a three-match winless run, with defeat and then a draw against Chelsea in cup and league before Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League loss in Naples.
It was not just the result, but the manner of it that left Reds fans disappointed, but Klopp sees plenty of cause for optimism ahead of the game.
Klopp said: “After the game it felt much more clear they deserved to win than after the analysis. Yes they had more chances, we didn’t have a shot on target. In the last 15 minutes they had two big chances and scored a goal, they had moments more than we did.
“But the crowd was in a lot of moments really unhappy with the Napoli performance. We defended in a lot of moments really good. With the ball, again the timing was not good because we felt under pressure when there was no pressure.
“A lot of times it was really close that it could be good but there was no real perfect decision.
“That night (against Napoli) the first 15 minutes was an open game with better opportunities for us. We have to start anew. Different game, different opponent, different challenge - unfortunately even bigger challenge.
“My faith in the team is so big. We want to show a reaction. I didn’t want to lose at Napoli but, if you ask me which is the best preparation mood wise, it’s losing a game. We felt it now and we don’t want to have that feeling again so we will fight with all we have for a different result.”
Nearly half of all City’s defeats last season came against Klopp’s team, including in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final, while a 4-3 loss at Anfield ended their hopes of going a whole Premier League season unbeaten.