Boss happy for Anfield to welcome 'old friend' back
Jürgen Klopp has encouraged supporters to offer a warm welcome to former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez when he returns to Anfield on Saturday.
But the current Reds boss has no intention of taking it easy on his opposite number's new club Newcastle United as they look to stave off relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
As the man who oversaw the miraculous Champions League victory of 2005 and an FA Cup win the following year, Benitez remains a popular figure among supporters.
He was well received upon his first return to the Reds' home ground with Chelsea in 2013, and is likely to hear his name chanted by the Kop yet again this weekend.
Speaking at a press conference to preview the meeting with Magpies, Klopp insisted he had no issue with those in the stands recognising the achievements of 'an old friend'.
"I know him, I like Rafa. We met each other a few times at UEFA meetings, he is a very successful manager, nice person, and I really like him.
"From my point of view, if somebody wants to celebrate Rafa Benitez and memories of the Istanbul game or whatever - [he's] one of the most successful managers at Liverpool - they're very welcome.
"If they want [to], do it. Be louder than you have ever been, that's absolutely okay. That's how I would say hello to a good old friend, so if you want to do this nobody has to ignore this wonderful moment only because I'm here now.
"Everything is okay from my side so do how you feel, and if it's very good, show it."
Watch a free clip of Klopp speaking on Rafa's return
Liverpool's last meeting with Newcastle United - a December clash with a Steve McClaren-led Magpies in the Barclays Premier League - ended in a 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.
But Klopp explained that the subsequent change of manager and a busy January transfer window for Saturday's opposition means the Reds are facing a different prospect this time around.
"It was really long ago, it was not the best day of us and I'm not absolutely sure about the different line-ups," he added.
"A few things changed in the last transfer period, Newcastle were pretty active, so they have a strong side.
"They don't look like a relegation team but that shows how strong this league is. When you are in the wrong direction, it's pretty difficult to change this direction.
"Now you see, [it's] unbelievable, but only one of Norwich, Sunderland and Newcastle can stay in the league.
"I don't think really about the first game at Newcastle, not only because there's now a different manager, but also because we need to watch for preparation and analyse the last two games.
"[Against] Swansea and Manchester City, [they got] four points, that says everything.
"They are in a good moment but we want to keep the points here, that's why we play on Saturday and so that's what we have to show."