Nagelsmann claims Klopp has Liverpoool trick up his sleeve for Leipzig

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann expects Liverpool to be “stable” at the very least amid talk that the Reds are in for a rough Champions League ride.

Liverpool face their Bundesliga opponents in the last 16 of Europe’s Premier competition on Tuesday.

However, they enter the match in poor form. They have only won two of their last 10 Premier League games and have lost three in a row including Saturday’s defeat to Leicester.

What’s more, they have failed to score in five of those games, slipping down the table as a result.

But Nagelsmann, who goes up against fellow German Jurgen Klopp, is still wary of his compatriot.

“Due to many injuries, Liverpool have made some changes. Midfielders now play in defence in a position that they are not used to,” the 33-year-old told Kicker.

“In addition, they have played a lot of games and Jurgen Klopp is also very demanding and emotional that the opponents against Liverpool are always 110 per cent. You don’t just put it all away.

“If the many chances you create are not used in the same number as last year, you can quickly lose a few points.

“They are not in a mega-crisis and will certainly be stable against us.”

Liverpool have suffered damaging injuries this season, including to Virgil van Dijk and Diogo Jota.

Nevertheless, such players are among those who Klopp has used to turn Liverpool into Champions League and Premier League winners. Indeed, Naglesmann has high praise for his fellow coach, who made his name in Germany.

Nagelsmann piles praise on Klopp

“Jurgen is one of the most successful club coaches and has always made a difference in his stints in Mainz, Dortmund and Liverpool,” Nagelsmann added.

“He took over Dortmund in a very bad time and made it a top club. He took over Liverpool in a not very successful time and became one very successful team made with the Champions League victory and the championship.

“He has the gift of developing clubs and moving people.”

Tuesday’s clash takes place in Budapest due to strict coronavirus protocols in Germany.

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