Xavi comments on Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp after missing out on CWC encounter

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Legendary Spanish midfielder Xavi has sung Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp’s praises ahead of their meeting with Monterrey in the Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

The former Barcelona maestro, who manages Qatari side Al Sadd, was speaking about the Reds having lost to the Mexican side in the quarter-final.

He therefore won’t get a chance to pit his wits against Klopp and his Reds, but he still had some very kind words to say about the reigning European champions.

He told FIFA.com: “What stands out for me with Klopp and Liverpool is their intensity. The intensity they play with both in defence and attack, the high press by the front three who occupy the space between the lines and do their pressing there.

“They’re a very difficult team to attack. Physically they’re very strong. They win all the second balls and they also work really hard on their tactics. They’re dominant in so many areas of the game.

“Their transitions in attack and defence are just about perfect: how they defend, how they drop back, how they hit hard on the counter, the pace of their players and above all the intensity Klopp gives them.”

Liverpool are bidding to win the Club World Cup for the first time in their history, and will take on either Flamengo or Al-Hilal in the final at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

TBR’s view – High praise from a legend

Given Xavi’s status in the game as a player, his words will be well received by Liverpool supporters.

And he isn’t wrong – Liverpool have a fantastic blend of a potent attack and a rock-solid defence instilled into them by Klopp.

Their work off the ball is second to none, and allows them to kill teams that want any kind of time on the ball.