Jürgen Klopp: We want a performance to make Anfield smile again
Actions and not words are what Liverpool require as they aim to return to form against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon by producing a 'performance to make Anfield smile', Jürgen Klopp has stated.
The Reds take on Mauricio Pochettino’s men on Merseyside looking to record a first Premier League win of 2017.
Klopp uses his programme notes in ‘This is Anfield’ to write: “After last weekend we have been the subject of much debate and much criticism I imagine. This is how it is when you lose matches. We were the subject of much praise from August to the start of January. During that period there were many kind words and feelings of positivity and optimism. The nature of this industry means these feelings can change quickly – in either direction.
“For me, situations like this are simple: the praise belongs with the players and the criticism with me. I am the manager, I make the decisions and I am prepared to be accountable for results when they are not as good. What I think is very clear is that there is nothing I can say at this stage that will change minds or perceptions. It will, as is always the case, come down to actions, performances and results. During this difficult start to the New Year I have spoken a lot about my belief and faith in the players. This has not changed even one per cent, but talking will not change opinions in this moment.
“It is maybe appropriate that today we face one of the top teams in the country. Before and after the recent Chelsea home game, people asked me a lot about our results against the ‘top-six sides’. Someone even referenced a ‘mini-league’ that we are top of? The meaning being that our results against Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are better than anyone else’s.
“There is one major problem with this, I think: there is no such thing as a ‘mini-league’ – there is, for us, only the Premier League. We will not be satisfied with being the best team with results against these five other teams only. Our ambitions are to be the best team involving ourselves and the 19 other clubs.
“I know – because I see and work with the players each and every day – that we do not have an attitude issue in this area. We are not complacent and we are not arrogant enough to think we can pick and choose where and when we perform. But of course, these are words and we need actions.”
Klopp adds: “I think this afternoon’s game is one that will really excite a football supporter, regardless of whether you have direct interest in LFC or Spurs. I can only speak for us, in terms of how we will approach it, but I know we go into this game with an ambitious outlook and looking to attack and fight for every kick, tackle and header. I am pretty sure this will be a game of high energy and high intensity. It is my hope that we can produce a performance that makes Anfield smile.”
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