Jürgen Klopp is not troubled by the thought of complacency affecting Liverpool's Premier League exploits – because nobody at Melwood will allow it to.

The Reds topped the table heading into the latest round of fixtures and dropped to second after being held to a goalless draw by Southampton on Saturday.

Klopp’s charges have lost only once all season and will welcome Sunderland to Anfield this coming weekend with the aim of an immediate return to winning ways.

That target will be aided by the mentality in place within the staff and squad, according to the manager, with acknowledgement of their good form permitted – but nothing more.

He said: “The players are here in this situation because their character is really good. It is a long way to get here. It is not like they are surprised about success, whether it is individual or as a team.

“They had successes of being the best player at Southampton, Schalke or other teams. This is success, but if you then celebrate this and don’t be professional anymore then you have a problem.

“It is not too difficult. Nothing has happened until now. It is better to be one time in first place than never in your life, but it is not really important in this moment. There is nothing to think about.

“If I went to the players and said ‘Don’t think we are first’ or ‘We are first but nothing has been reached’ they would think I’m silly because they know this already. Stay cool, play football and see what happens.”