Yet again the press room as absolutely packed as Jurgen Klopp prepared to answer questions before Liverpool’s Europa League tie with Rubin Kazan tomorrow.
The German will take charge of his first game at Anfield on Thursday, with the Russian outfit travelling to Merseyside in what should be a comfortable three points for the Reds.
Having said that, we drew to FC Sion last time out in Europe, which for many, was the nail in former manager Brendan Rodgers’ coffin.
Klopp discussed our current injury crisis in great length, confirming that Daniel Sturridge may be back for Sunday’s clash with Southampton.
He also expressed anger at the FA for using Jordan Rossiter in three consecutive matches while he was away with England – while assuring everyone that he cannot wait to play at Anfield.
LFC Echo reported Klopp’s most interesting quotes:
Injuries:
“That’s the reason for this paper! Most of them not available for the next games.
“Studge is getting better and better. Yesterday was the first time outside. The target for him is Sunday. The other players are no option for Sunday.
“Ings and Gomez had their operation. It was a positive operation and they are on their way back. No complications.
“Flanagan getting better and better. Rossiter is a special story, I’ve never heard a player at 19 years having to play three games in five days. Now we have to wait for him. I will find a way to talk to somebody about this. It’s not OK.
“We have three players back in training, Firmino, Benteke and Lovren. More options but not really starting options. We will see what we need for this game. It’s very good for us that these players are back.”
What he wants from Rubin Kazan game:
“Next we want to see the next step in development. But it’s not a problem. It is like it is.
“Tottenham felt good, it was a step in the right direction. It wasn’t perfect but we were happy.
“We had a good meeting after the game, we did the next step and now this is a completely different game.
“Tottenham for the first game was a little bit tough, now we have another opponent who are not in the best situation. They changed manager so it’s a big chance to get a good feeling and confidence.”
“I’m really looking forward to this game, it’s by night, by light and a special atmosphere.
“I hope we can translate it into the game.”
On team selection:
“We cannot start Firmino and Benteke in now to start. If all the players are fit we can think about (rotating) but that’s not our situation.
“We know a little bit more about the young players. It was good what we saw. We will see who will be with us tomorrow.”
On Anfield atmosphere:
“I cannot say so much about the atmosphere but I want to go there, I want to feel it. That’s what we’re all waiting for, these special moments.
“Of course if somebody wants to surprise us and be louder and wilder than ever in your life, try to!
“We have to concentrate but we have to be open for help from outside.
“If somebody wants to help us then that’s cool.”
On Jordan Rossiter injury:
“It’s too much. What can we say? Three days in five days, football is ninety minutes. If you are young maybe you’re more resistant but that is not normal.
“I have to talk to somebody. We are in contact, I didn’t want to call somebody at the FA on my first day but this is not okay.
“He has a hamstring and it was because of the match. These young players are our future, if we handle them like horses than they will be horses.
“It’s normal in England three games in five days? At Christmas I know, two games in two days!”
On his playing style:
“The biggest misunderstanding in my life. People always ask me if it’s possible to play this style of football. They asked me it at Dortmund and Mainz every week.
“You don’t have to play like this for 90 minutes. It’s not always wild, it’s only the start. If you watched Bayern v Arsenal, Bayern had 70 percent possession and lost 2-0. Arsenal were defensive and won the game.
“We have to have a plan. We have to be prepared, of course we need healthy players but we don’t kill the players. They are young, healthy professionals.”