Klopp warns that ‘really strong’ Chelsea should not be ignored

Jurgen Klopp says he does not understand why the Premier League title race is being framed as Liverpool versus Manchester City when Chelsea are so strong.

The Reds host Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday night before a crucial Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Liverpool are currently top of the table, two points clear of Chelsea, who lost their 100% record when they drew at West Ham last weekend, and City.

Much of the discussion has focused on whether Liverpool are capable of overhauling last season’s runaway champions City, but Klopp fully expects Chelsea, a team boasting a number of title winners, to be part of the title scrap.

“I know that people always are talking about – I don’t know exactly why – Man City being clear or us being champion at the end of the season or whatever but they completely forgot Chelsea,” he said in his pre-match press conference.

“This team is experienced. They have won the title already, 80 percent probably twice and they know how it works.

“That is a really good group, a really strong football team.”

READ: Klopp to start ‘fantastic’ Mignolet against Chelsea in League Cup

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Saturday, November 25, 2017: Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno (rear) tackles Chelsea’s Eden Hazard during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. (Pic by Lindsey Parnaby/Propaganda)

READ: Klopp provides update on fitness levels ahead of Chelsea tie

Maurizio Sarri only took over in July after leaving Napoli but already appears to have implemented his style effectively, stunning Klopp.

“It is the biggest change of system I ever saw in such a short period of time,” Klopp said. “Wow. Style completely [changed]. What a manager he is.

“I am a supporter of him since I saw them playing at Naples. That was outstanding football and now he is doing it with a very interrupted pre-season, without a lot of players involved.

“Okay, Chelsea were maybe a bit fortunate with their players but Eden [Hazard] was not involved or [Olivier] Giroud so a few players were out.

“Starting the season, you see immediately the impact. [He has] all my respect. It is really good to watch. Good job so far, I have to say.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com