Jurgen Klopp was on good form in his pre-Chelsea press conference on Friday morning, providing fitness updates and focussing on the Blues’ key men.
Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday knowing three points would make them just the second team in Premier League history to win its opening seven matches.
More importantly, a victory would take them five points clear of Maurizio Sarri’s team and keep them clear of Man City at the top.
Speaking to reporters at Melwood ahead of the game, Klopp gave some typically honest thoughts on the upcoming fixture.
The German confirmed that Virgil van Dijk is a doubt for the game, while in-form Eden Hazard was hailed as “special”, with Klopp wary of the threat others will pose.
He also touched upon the match itself, admitting it is likely to be a tight contest, with Wednesday’s League Cup defeat hopefully working in their favour.
“It will be tough, intense for both sides,” Klopp said.
“It’s a big one. It already sounds good, and we have to make sure it is good. Both teams know it won’t be an easy game.
“The best preparation for Saturday’s game is Wednesday’s game.”
There was plenty of praise for Xherdan Shaqiri, too, following a lively performance in the eventual loss to Chelsea on Wednesday.
“Very good, very, very good,” he added.
“When he came in, that was what I wanted from him. I didn’t want to fill him with information about the way he defends.
“I wanted him only to play football.”
While Van Dijk could miss the game, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gini Wijnaldum are available for selection, with both expected to start.
Victory would be massive on Saturday evening, but having to overcome a side who have only dropped two points in the league makes it Liverpool’s sternest test yet in 2018/19.
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