Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Jurgen Klopp details what FA Cup glory means to Liverpool as boss fires ‘crazy’ penalties warning to City

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager press conference

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, is being linked with the Germany job

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will give it their all to reach a first FA Cup final of his tenure – and is fully prepared for their semi-final showdown with Manchester City to go all the way to penalties.

Having already won the Carabao Cup this season, Liverpool’s quest for a second domestic cup competition of the season resumes on Saturday. However, standing in their way will be familiar foes in Manchester City. The two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday as they battle it out for Premier League glory. And they are also on track to meet in the Champions League final too.

Before all that, though, is the small matter of Saturday afternoon’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

City themselves have been through a rigourous week, having overcome a severe Atletico Madrid test in the Wanda Metropolitano. Not just a test of their nerves, City were also put through it physically amid some truly ugly scenes.

And that, together with the travel factor, leads some to suggest that Liverpool will be favourites.

Klopp, however, insists that is far from the case.

“I saw the highlights,” Klopp stated. “We had it last week, before City we had a (European) away game. Travelling is intense. Will it give us an advantage? I’ve no idea. I haven’t seen the complete City game yet but I’ll watch this afternoon.”

Boss demands improvement from players

Klopp, however, admits he is looking for a better performance from his side compared to last Sunday.

“We were not at our best (v City). That would be nice, could be a surprise if all of a sudden we are good!”

Earlier this week Klopp questioned BT Sport for their scheduling of a Premier League game around their Champions League semi-final.

However, in appearing to go back on his word, Klopp states that having a busy schedule at this stage of the season is a good thing.

“I want to have 12 games left. It’s the best schedule we can have as it means we are in all the competitions.”

He added: “That’s a normal problem, we just have to completely accept it. That’s our problem. But it makes a massive difference (it being at 12.30pm). Every hour counts. I don’t understand it.”

Klopp says FA Cup could be massive for Liverpool

Liverpool will be looking to reach a first FA Cup final since 2012. Accused of not taking the competition seriously in the past, the German knows exactly what success in the competition will mean to their fans.

“The FA Cup is a massive competition. So far we hadn’t even been to the semis, first experience of a semi-final at Wembley, better late than never. Hope the fans can get to London and we have the atmosphere City v Liverpool deserves.”

If the game goes all the way, Klopp and Liverpool may well face penaltes.

“If it’s 2-2 again then it’s 120 minutes then it’s penalties, that would be really crazy to go all the way.”

Asked if his players will be ready for spot-kicks and if Liverpool been practicing them, Klopp added: “We practice them quite frequently, and we could have had them last night.”