As Liverpool prepare for their season opener with one of their toughest trips of the season, a journey to the Emirates to face Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp spoke to the press for the first time this term.
Klopp spoke to the press ahead of the game to highlight the importance of the side’s ambitions and aims for the season after a gruelling pre-season schedule, and clearly he feels that his side is ready for a tough opening day challenge.
The German made it clear that the aim this season is to achieve as much as possible and the sky is clearly the limit for his attacking Liverpool side, saying:
“We want to fight for everything. We’re not looking for excuses. In this moment, everything is possible.”
Klopp did admit though that missing out on European football was far from a positive. Despite the club’s best season in years in 2013/14 benefitting from the reduced number of games, he insisted:
“We are not looking for excuses. There is nothing positive about not being in Europe apart from extra time we can use to train.”
There is still activity likely for the Reds in the transfer market though, largely due to their wealth of attacking options. With Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli linked with moves away, Klopp made his stance clear:
“The 31st August at 11pm is the time for everyone. Until then we will be ready to react to different scenarios. Having 6 strikers is too comfortable. But we won’t be giving presents to other clubs.”
But an experienced man like Klopp knows that this season will be a tough one, with a number of sides looking like contenders following the arrivals of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Klopp clearly acknowledged the challenge ahead:
“It’s exciting for everyone having big names in the league. But there can only be one winner in the league. We have to wait. Maybe in England managers have more special role than other countries. It’s not about names, it’s about performances.”
One of the toughest challenge’s will be this weekend’s opener up against Arsenal. Klopp downplayed Arsene Wenger’s current injury crisis, explaining:
“Arsenal have a lot of wonderful players for their offensive play.”
He won’t be taking anything for granted, and he’s ensuring that his side won’t either with their focus very clearly on kicking off the season in style.
“It’s not like learning to ride a bike, with football you have to keep learning. But we’re in much better position than on July 2. Consistency is only way to be successful. We’ve to be very serious preparing during the week for games to be in best shape we can.”
The boss also provided a fitness update on James Milner, who was withdrawn from last Saturday’s friendly victory over Barcelona with a foot injury. Milner is expected to figure at left back if fit for Sunday’s opener, and Klopp said:
“With Milner it’s not too serious. It’s better and better but bruise on the heel. We have to wait for the moment. It’s still possible Millie could be involved. Sturridge could be involved in team training today but he’s missed lot of sessions.”
Now the Reds will return to complete their last minute preparations in the hope of coming away from the Emirates with three points on Sunday evening.
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