Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp warned his team they could be the first to face the “new” Leicester City in the Premier League.
Claudio Ranieri’s men, last season’s champions, appear in strife, yet to score a league goal in 2017 and sitting just a point above the relegation zone.
Klopp is wary of the team his side will face at King Power Stadium on February 27, although Leicester have a Champions League meeting with Sevilla before then.
“Of course, Leicester, it’s a difficult situation for them,” the German told the club’s website.
“They’re fighting for the league 100 per cent now and maybe this is the moment they recognise there’s really nothing else to do in this season other than to stay in the league and be really concentrated so we, if you want, could be the first team to face this ‘new’ Leicester. But it’s possible [to win].
“And then Arsenal is coming [to Anfield on March 4] and we all know how good they are, so it’s difficult yes, but it’s possible [to win] and that’s what I always say – as long as it’s possible, let’s try to do it, let’s really try to do it. For this we need everybody in the best mood.”
A dismal January led to Liverpool being eliminated from the EFL and FA Cups and slipping out of Premier League title contention.
Klopp’s side won just one of 10 matches in all competitions to start the year, but the former Borussia Dortmund coach said some perspective was required.
“January was nothing we needed, but we had it. It was kind of an experience, kind of a reminder,” he said.
“Everything is good until the moment when it’s not that good anymore – [then] it’s not only not good anymore, it’s as bad as it ever was.
“I can understand that people feel like this, but it’s not real, it’s not true. The truth is that we always have a chance.
“I’ve said a few times, I’m not the best manager in the world but I’m really good at staying on track.”
COMMENTS