Jurgen Klopp reckons his Liverpool squad were not interested in his analysis of the 2-1 victory over Bournemouth at the weekend, because everyone is concentrating on the Merseyside derby!
A much changed team defeated the Cherries away from home at the weekend, but that’ll quickly be forgotten if we cannot manage to down the local rivals tomorrow…
Everton are out of form and enduring a poor season, but they’ve got the players to do damage at Anfield should they find their best level.
We drew 1-1 with Everton at the start of the season, Brendan Rodgers’ final game in charge, but we’re a much better side now and will be desperate for a home win.
Klopp’s delighted about his first match against Everton, as he won’t have to motivate his players for it!
“I am really happy about this [the derby]. In our really busy schedule it’s nice for me to have a game where I don’t have to think about finding the right words!” he told the Echo in an exclusive interview.
“This morning when we were in the dressing room and we spoke a little about Sunday’s game at Bournemouth I don’t think anyone was really listening!
“They are thinking about Everton. I’m okay with that. That’s really cool. It’s very exciting. It’s important too.
“Derbies are always difficult to play because you have to handle the pressure. There’s no advantage or disadvantage for either side.
“For me, I like these special games. I’ve been a manager since 2001. That’s 15 years and each game is important. But with special games like this it’s different from three or four days before it.”
Bar a second-half capitulation against Southampton, Liverpool’s Premier League form has been excellent recently, despite the fact Klopp’s picked many different players to keep stars fresh for Europe.
Against the Toffees though, expect a full strength side, before they’re rested again at the weekend with the Europa League semi-final against Villarreal in two Thursdays time in mind.