Klopp doesn’t think Liverpool are City’s only title contenders

Following Liverpool’s 4-0 demolition of West Ham on Sunday, manager Jurgen Klopp questioned why others see the Reds as the sole title contenders to reigning champions Manchester City.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his side’s opening day win at Anfield, Klopp stated that he “couldn’t be less interested” in outside opinion, whether it’s positive or “not so nice”.

“What is important is that we know what we want to be, and we want to be a challenger. How can we be something different? We didn’t win anything in the last few years, that’s the truth. And the other teams, I can’t see that they’ve got weaker. So why should we [be the only challengers] because we made a few signings?

“It’s only an English thing, where you can win the league in the transfer window. It’s not possible. It’s not interesting. We did our business, other teams did theirs last year, two years ago, whatever. We did it this year because we felt it was the right moment to do so, that’s all! We enjoy our role, and all the rest is not important to us.”

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool scores during the Premier League match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield on August 12, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by AFP/Getty Images)

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Klopp went on to talk about Liverpool’s “fresh start” and the improved depth of his squad, but refused to get carried away.

“It’s a good game, now let’s carry on. It’s all good, but for the moment, it’s no more. It’s a nice moment, and we can enjoy it for two, three hours, and then prepare for Crystal Palace. We already today, with a few injuries, had to make really hard decisions. Alberto Moreno not in the squad, I have no explanation for that, apart from needing Clyney on the bench, or others on the bench.”

“It’s quite difficult to strengthen this squad, because this squad is good. They are used to the style of play, sometimes it needs a bit of time, I have no problem with that.

“Only the public and media could cause problems by questioning constantly why some aren’t playing. We need everyone in that squad before the end of the season.”

The manager reserved special praise for striker Daniel Sturridge, who scored with his first touch after replacing Mohamed Salah in the 87th minute.

“What was it, 10 seconds? 12 seconds?! Ha ha! Sometimes you need luck in life. He didn’t need luck in that situation; he only has the nose for it in those situations. It’s brilliant. Sturridge had a fantastic pre-season, the best since I’ve been here, and it gives us unbelievable new options.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com