Jürgen: We're in a good position
Jürgen Klopp feels Liverpool are in 'a good position' as they prepare for their final pre-season fixture before the Premier League gets under way.
The Reds’ week-long stay in Germany concluded with a penalty shootout defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Audi Cup on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Klopp’s men have yet to be beaten in 90 minutes across their seven summer games so far, while the manager has used the time in between for intensive training sessions he considers crucial for the long-term.
Athletic Club provide the final opposition at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday and the boss is content with the progress of his squad as the competitive kick-off looms into view.
“It was good work and the boys did really well in the sessions,” he told Liverpoolfc.com, in summarising the camp in his homeland.
“It was not easy for them. We travelled a lot; OK, just to Munich and back, Munich and back, but we also had a lot of sessions to do.
“We will get the benefit of it during the season. It’s now recovery, day off, game – and then we will start. We are in a good position.”
LFCTV GO: The Atletico contest in 90 seconds
Liverpool found Atletico an extremely tough nut to crack, especially after falling behind in the first half of a final Diego Simeone’s side were clearly determined to win.
They eventually found a leveller from the penalty spot when Divock Origi was tripped and Roberto Firmino stepped up to coolly convert from 12 yards.
The Spanish outfit edged the subsequent shootout, but Klopp considered the game and its outcome a useful counterpart to the manner of Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich.
“It’s pre-season and the fantastic results are not that important. Maybe this one was more important because of having the information,” he added.
“Everybody asked me after Bayern ‘How good was this?’ and I said it was not that good and everyone said ‘What does he want?’ This was obviously a little bit more difficult and I’m fine with that.
“In the first half, you saw it was a completely different job to do than against Bayern. Atletico pretty much left the game to us and said ‘OK, come on, play football, let’s see what you can do.’
“With tired legs, it’s not that easy but we had a few moments and nice crosses. We had situations but not enough. And then we conceded a goal, out of being not concentrated, too late and again too late. That’s how you concede goals.
“Second half, we did better and played more football. We deserved the equaliser. A penalty shootout is how it is.”
You can watch the friendly with Athletic Club live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO. Click here for more details on subscribing now.