Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp admits he ‘would miss’ Everton if Liverpool rivals relegated; Firmino fitness update

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted he ‘would miss’ the derby against Everton if the Toffees suffer relegation from the Premier League.

Frank Lampard’s side are just one point above the bottom three after Burnley’s victory over Southampton on Thursday night. Liverpool host Everton at Anfield on Sunday afternoon and will be hoping to compile more misery on their Merseyside rivals.

At the pre-match press conference, Klopp gave a fitness update on his team.

Asked if anyone will be out alongside Robert Firmino – the Brazilian is recovering from a foot injury – Klopp replied: “Not that I know yet. No other problems.

“And Bobby, getting better and better. It’s just uncomfortable, painful. Today it’s his first day on the pitch, so there’s still two days to go, so maybe.

“If Bobby gives the thumbs up then he will be involved. And not, then we wait another few days, but then I think after that it should be possible.”

Jurgen Klopp makes Everton admission

Klopp was then asked if he would miss the clash against Everton, should the Toffees go down to the Championship.

“Yes, of course,” he said. “I think we’re all used to two clubs in the city, that’s how it is. It’s always special.

“This week is slightly different as we played in midweek, normally you wait a full week before you play.

“All the things people are talking about are about the derby so yes, of course I would [miss it].”

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager during the Premier League match against Wolves at Molineux

This Merseyside derby has the potential to shape the season of both clubs.

Liverpool are chasing Manchester City for the Premier League crown. They sit a point behind the Citizens after 32 matches.

Everton, meanwhile, could do with a confidence-boosting win against the Reds to push them closer to Leeds in 16th.

Derbies are always intense, says Klopp

When asked if there is a lot riding on this particular clash, Klopp said: “Maybe, yes. But derbies never lack intensity. It’s always very intense.

“Yes this one is important for both. But I can’t remember when it wasn’t important for us. It was always [important].”

Klopp’s side drew 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park last season, before losing 2-0 at home in the other league derby.

They have fared better this campaign, having beaten Everton 4-1 in their backyard in early December.

“I don’t know where we would have been without the points against Everton, or where we could have been if we’d won last year, which we lost. That would have been very helpful,” Klopp added.

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