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Cape Town - Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has rubbished suggestions that an uncluttered fixture list means that there are increased expectations for silverware.
The Reds' 63 matches accross all competitions last year may well have been quoted as one of the reasons for their failure to qualify for Europe this season, but Klopp does not believe that playing fewer games this season means there is more pressure to win domestic silverware.
"It is not about not being in Europe and so one cup is important. This is important," the German told reporters ahead of his team's EFL Cup match against Burton Albion on Tuesday.
"How can we be more than 100% ambitious? I know we have never shown a lack of respect to any competition and in this moment I am really optimistic we will find a really good line up and then we have to perform," he continued.
Former Liverpool player Nigel Clough - now Klopp's counterpart at Burton - spoke to the media about the special atmosphere surrounding a glamour fixture such as this one for a club of their lowly stature.
"This is a brilliant week for the club, not a crucial week," he said.
"Ask our supporters. Never in their wildest dreams did they believe they'd be playing teams like this, never mind who we now play in the league week in, week out.
"We are riding the crest of a wave and we're loving every minute of it," the 50-year-old added.
