Jurgen Klopp makes Leeds claim ahead of Liverpool clash

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Jurgen Klopp has told BT Sport (broadcast on 14/4; 10:24) that Liverpool will have to work their socks off if they hope to get anything from their game with Leeds United on Monday.

The Reds’ focus has now switched to trying to make the top four in the Premier League after they were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool were largely superb in the second-leg tie with Real Madrid. And they will be hoping to take any momentum gained into the run-in in the top flight.

Next up for the champions is Marcelo Bielsa’s side. The two teams played out an opening day classic at Anfield this season.

And Leeds go into the game off the back of an incredible win at Manchester City where they played for more than 45 minutes with 10 men.

And Klopp suggested that matching the Whites’ work-rate is going to be absolutely vital if Liverpool hope to get a positive result.

“Monday night Leeds is the next challenge,” he told BT Sport, while reflecting on the draw with Real. “Leading in all physical stats, Leeds. We have to run and work our socks off pretty much to get anything”

Leeds fans may feel that Klopp’s comments further highlight how far they have come. Liverpool had just been knocked out of the Champions League.

And yet, one of the last bits of Klopp’s post-match interview saw him switch his attention to Bielsa’s men.

Of course, that makes sense on the one hand as the Reds will want to move on from their midweek disappointment as quickly as possible.

But perhaps it also shows that Klopp feels that Liverpool can afford to waste little time before they start thinking about Leeds.