Klopp shuts down f-word talk; hints media are not held in high regard at Anfield

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Jurgen Klopp was quick to shut down a question about fatigue in his Liverpool players on Wednesday.

The Reds boss was unsure of the word and had to have the meaning of ‘fatigue’ explained to him, before he rejected the talk.

Klopp, whose men take on Burnley on Thursday, was asked at Wednesday’s news conference, how fatigue had affected his squad and the poor run of results.

Klopp quickly interjected and said: “No-one is fatigued. We are as fresh as possible.

“No team can defend for a whole game. Other teams know what we’re doing, they knew last year but it was difficult to defend.

“The chances we have to finish off better. Teams defend with all they have, we know that.

“I think I heard somewhere I have to rebuild this team! The world is a crazy place now and not just because of the pandemic.

“No-one has time anymore. We have to change this by playing, not talking.”

Ahead of the season Klopp vowed to “attack” the Premier League in their bid to defend their title.

With just three points from the last four games Klopp was asked whether his men were still “attacking” the title and whether his message had changed.

His answer though suggested the media were not held in high regard behind the scenes at Anfield.

“You don’t want to hear my message to the players. It doesn’t put you (media) in a good light!” said Klopp.

 

 

“We go for this and if you can’t see it, I cannot change that. Not here. Only thing I can do is work with the boys on the right stuff to see it again in the games we play.

“It’s about the whole team. Goals are not flying in, so we have to work on it. We will score again. Stones at City, scores three, we cannot explain it. We need to stay calm, greedy and make good decisions and the situation will change. That is it.”

Matip in training

The German also gave an update on the injuries at Anfield and said Joel Matip is close to a comeback.

Klopp said: “So first, Joel is in full training and we make a decision. Trained normal.

“Diogo (Jota) is a few weeks away. Will not be next one or two. He needs time. How much I miss him is not important. I am not allowed to miss him. He is not there and we deal with it.”

The Liverpool boss he could change things around again at the back after Jordan Henderson and Fabinho played their against Man Utd.

But he was not underestimating Burnley.

“When you look at Burnley’s goal difference, it says they don’t concede a lot. A proper fight v Burnley, defending second balls and their intensity,” said Klopp.

“Ben Mee is a very important player for them. They have a settled line-up. Tarkowski, Pope, Mee, the heart of the team.

“Sean is always able to squeeze really good performances out of the squad that isn’t the biggest. They deal with it very well and we have to face it.”

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