Jurgen Klopp: “Liverpool versus Manchester United is not a fixture that requires any hype or build-up”

Jurgen Klopp is adamant that his side are ready for the challenge that awaits them at Anfield today when Manchester United visit.

The Reds enter the clash in good form having not lost in the opening 16 games of the 2018-19 Premier League season.

A win against United would put Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League table after Manchester City defeated Everton yesterday to go one point clear.

As for United, they have had an average start to the season, which currently sees them 16 points off the Anfield club.

Despite this being the case, Klopp believes he is coming up against a world-class side today.

Klopp wrote in his column for the official match day programme, as quoted by liverpoolfc.com: “Liverpool versus Manchester United is not a fixture that requires any hype or build-up. Merely saying the fixture out loud is enough to capture its importance.

“For both clubs it is the ‘next game’, but I think we would all be kidding ourselves if we tried to suggest it wasn’t an occasion that means a little bit more. I have never been one to shy away from games that really matter to the supporters.

“Yes, three points are three points whoever they are available against, but these sort of matches produce emotions and memories that are so valuable. It makes sense I think to try to embrace it.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 15: Jose Mourinho manager of Manchester United and Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool argue on the touchline the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 15, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

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“For the players, my staff and I, we absolutely need to keep focused on the job to do and the game that is to be played. We need to recognise that performing well and working hard are essential. We need to not abandon the processes that have served us well until now. We need to do all the things we do for the other 18 home games during a league campaign.

“But it is possible to do all that without ignoring what the fixture means. It’s a matter of take from the moment what helps you. Positive emotion helps – positive energy helps – we saw this on Tuesday night.

“Without question, our players embraced what was at stake and performed with that extra wind in their sails. The element of games like this that make it harder, is that you do not play in isolation.

“Lined up against us today is a squad of 18 world-class players, with equal desire, who are led by one of the most successful managers in the modern game. Their team and squad is packed full of players who are conditioned to perform on the biggest platforms. Anfield is centre stage for the football world today.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com