Share

Klopp expects no let-up from Man City in title race

Liverpool - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Manchester City will provide relentless opposition in the race for  the Premier League title this season.

Klopp's table-toppers lead second-placed reigning champions City by four points heading into this week's matches.

But this week, for the first time since December 15, City will play a league match before title rivals Liverpool, with Pep Guardiola's men in action away to Newcastle on Tuesday -- 24 hours before the Reds face Leicester at Anfield.

It is a pattern that will be repeated for the next two rounds of league matches but an unconcerned Klopp said Tuesday: "For me, no difference. If we win the game, we are not interested in other results. 

"How can we change the approach?"," the German, looking to guide Liverpool to their first domestic championship title since 1990, added.

"I said it a few times, I expect City to win every game," he explained. "It makes sense that you think like this. 

"I expect City to beat Newcastle, but I will still watch it because we play Newcastle as well.

"I can only speak for myself, but I don't sit in front of the TV and think (damn) when they score or whatever.

"I really believe that you have to do your own work, your own job if you want to have something.

"Don't be concentrated on other teams, it doesn't help. I expect to be one point up before the game tomorrow, and that doesn't bother me."

Meanwhile Klopp was hopeful Virgil Van Dijk would be fit to face the Foxes.

The influential centre-back has been ill since Liverpool returned from a training camp in Dubai last week.

But he was back on the pitch with the squad at Melwood, the Merseyside club's training ground, on Tuesday.

Van Dijk has not missed a Premier League match since the fixture away to Huddersfield year ago. The Dutch international is widely seen as the reason for the major improvement in Liverpool's defence that has seen them concede a mere 13 league goals -- the lowest total in the division -- so far this season. 

He has also been on the pitch for all-but 35 minutes of league action this season, having exited with a rib injury against Southampton earlier in the campaign.

"Virg was a little bit ill but he trained yesterday. He will train today and then we will see," said Klopp.

Liverpool have problems at right-back, with James Milner serving a one-match suspension, while Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee) and Joe Gomez (leg) are injured.

Klopp could field midfielder Fabinho, a right-back for Brazil, but the player only returned to training on Tuesday following illness, with youngster Rafael Camacho another alternative.

"You have to wait until tomorrow. We will play with a right-back, or a wing-back," said Klopp. "I cannot answer. I have no clue what we are doing, to be honest!"

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE