Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool’s players to beware the threat of ‘world class’ Diego Costa and brace themselves for their biggest test so far.
Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge buoyant after they tore champions Leicester City apart but Klopp is under no illusion how difficult it will be against a Chelsea team that he recognises has made significant progress since the two teams played a pre-season friendly in Pasadena on July 27.
One of the driving factors behind Chelsea’s terrific early form has been Costa, who has scored four goals in four Premier League games – including a double against Swansea on Sunday – and added another two for Spain against Lichtenstein.
Klopp has studied the video of Costa’s performance at the Liberty Stadium and recognises Liverpool will be facing one of the most in-form forwards in Europe; it is a challenge has demanded his squad meet head on.
‘He is world class,’ said Klopp. ‘If other supporters love you it’s not a good sign. He is a real warrior on the pitch. He uses his body all the time – that is his quality – he was nearly unstoppable against Swansea. He could have been the man-of-the-match. He is strong, no doubt.
‘Games against Chelsea are a special thing and always will be in the Premier League. They are a good side. I saw the 90 minutes versus Swansea and they could have won that game. They are a physically strong side. They are the champion of two years ago.
‘Last season was not a Chelsea season but now they are back on track so we must be ready for a real challenge. They attack well and defend strong, but we are quite confident we can do something there.’
Liverpool came from behind to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on October 31 last season but that match arrived at a point when Jose Mourinho’s reign was melting. The manager Klopp will face on Friday evening is in a completely different frame of mind.
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