Klopp looks forward to the FA Cup clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, emphasizing preparation and the importance of the match to both teams and fans.
Liverpool face rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Sunday. The aim is to reach the final, which will take place at Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool are having a good season, having won the Carabao Cup against Chelsea. They are fighting for the Premier League title and are only behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference. They have also reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League and are set to face Atalanta.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have had an unconvincing season so far. They are sixth in the Premier League standings. The FA Cup is the last chance for the Red Devils to salvage the season with a trophy that will restore the confidence of the fans.
Jürgen Klopp spoke about his team’s preparation for the summit. And the difficulty of the clash against Manchester United.
“I am looking forward to it. I am not sure enjoy is the right word. We can take 9,000 people I think to Old Trafford. Manchester United, yeah, ask me after it if I enjoy it! Before the game it’s just work. We will try to prepare as well as possible,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“Again we have a situation where we have played Thursday and we handled it. United have had a full week to prepare. Erik ten Hag is a really good manager and knows how to play so he will line-up some challenges but we don’t know in the moment. We don’t have this time to prepare like this for an opponent and have to be ready anyway. As much as it is possible, I enjoy it.”
“I don’t know much about their season but I saw some really good games. They have some injury problems but a lot of quality. Maybe Rasmus Hojlund is available again? Maybe Wan-Bissaka is close? That obviously makes a difference as well, we will see on Sunday.
“It was always a tough place to go for us, it means everything to both fan groups, we know that. We try to show that on the pitch as well with the work rate, but you never know. There are no guarantees, just opportunities. We are really willing to give it a try.”
Klopp indicated that Mohamed Salah is ready for the match and the absence of French defender Ibrahima Konate is likely.
“Mo [Salah] is definitely ready [for Sunday]. Ibrahima Konate didn’t train today, we’ll have to see if he can train tomorrow. It will be a tight, tight race that we will probably lose. But you don’t know.
“Bobby Clark feels much better. He has a little swelling which made us think it might be something more serious, but it’s not. He’s fine. Ryan Gravenberch trained again today so he is ready. Others after the [international] break.”