Ahead of Arsenal Game The jovial Klopp, whose animated presence on the touchline has only integrated to his reputation
has a propensity to smile and chuckle his way through media querying.
However, the 49-year-old, who has already demonstrated his iron will this season by expatriating undisciplined advocator Mamadou Sakho, does not find two wins in 12 matches in 2017 a laughing matter.
“I am not a clown – even though a few people think I am. I am not always laughing like crazy, I am a normal person,” he said ahead of the visit of top-four rivals Arsenal.
“It is not about laughing the whole week and ignoring the problems you have.
“We cannot ignore the things that happen around us but I am 100 per cent optimistic again when I think about the Arsenal game – but I cannot say I am in exactly the same mood as the start of the season (when they beat the Gunners 4-3 on the opening day).
“It doesn’t feel that free-flowing any more. We have this lack of consistency, we cannot ignore it.”
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - Monday, February 27, 2017: Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho,Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Emre Can look dejected after conceding the second goal against Leicester City during the FA Premier League match at the King Power Stadium. (Pic by Gavin Trafford/Propaganda)
Defeat at Leicester was a concern as Liverpool were out-fought and out-thought in every department. The Foxes’ in-your-face approach – typified by Jamie Vardy’s crunching first-minute tackle on Sadio Mane – appeared to take the players by surprise despite having 16 days in which to prepare.
However, Klopp insists his side are not a soft touch who can be intimidated on the pitch despite criticism they lack leaders, especially with captain Jordan Henderson still sidelined with a foot problem.
“I think we are usually clean – not ugly challenges – but physical. It is not a general problem for us,” he added.
“Sometimes you need tactical fouls, but being harder than allowed, I don’t think it makes sense. I never force my players to make fouls.
“We are always a pretty fair team as even in a challenge we want to keep the ball and not break a leg.”
On the question of a lack of leaders Klopp was less convincing.
Categories:
Match Preview
News
Statistics
0 comments: