Programme notesJürgen Klopp: Southampton have our full focus and attention
Read Jürgen Klopp’s notes for the official matchday programme ahead of tonight’s Emirates FA Cup meeting with Southampton at Anfield.
“For these notes there is only one place to start – that is with tonight’s game,” says the Reds boss. “This is our focus now. This is the next item on the agenda so to speak and it has our total concentration and absolute commitment.
“At the time of writing I could not say which players will and will not be available to play. First we have to recover from the weekend, dust ourselves down and see who should be involved. The good news is we will have 11 players in red shirts who start the game and more still on the bench who are ready to give their all for this club. That is enough.
“It was enough on Sunday when so many obstacles were put in our way in the Carabao Cup final that it was actually incredible that we were able to overcome them. I could not be more proud of what we achieved together – the supporters who pushed us on, the staff who work so hard every single day, the players who gave everything and more, everyone who is part of the LFC family.
“Of course a special mention must go to our Academy. What can I say except ‘wow’? We had so many young players with us – kids in age but Liverpool players in talent and attitude – and they were an absolute credit to themselves.
“It should also be said, though, that for these youngsters to have the best chance of making this kind of impact they have to enter into an environment that gives them the best possible chance of fulfilling their potential and this is something that our more senior players have created.
“We wish more than anything that our injured players were not injured so to have them with us at Wembley was really special. Everywhere you looked, on and off the pitch, you could see examples of the Liverpool togetherness that gives fuel to so much for what we do. I would not like to think of this club without it and, to be honest, I do not think it is possible to think about this club without it.
“We will need it again tonight because Southampton will be another really tough opponent and I am sure they will look at our experiences at the weekend and look to take advantage of any hangover. We need to do everything we can to avoid this of course, which is why once we have worked out who is available, I will pick a team which will hopefully give us the best chance of doing so.
“I would like to welcome Russell Martin, his players and staff to Anfield. I don’t think there can be too many people who have not been impressed by the job that Russell has done since taking over as manager last summer. I know Southampton have had a little blip in their last two games but in the main they have enjoyed some outstanding results and played some really, really good football.
“So to meet them in any circumstances would be a challenge. They are a Premier League club in so many ways even if they are not currently in the division, and I am sure it will not be long before they are back at that level. As a team we have to recognise this and we will recognise this.
“Finally, I would like to thank our supporters for the atmosphere they created at Wembley and ask, if I may, that it is the same at Anfield tonight as it was at Anfield South on Sunday. There were moments when it was really tough, but the fans sensed it and dragged us up by the bootlaces. It was sensational, truly sensational.
“There is no longer any need for us to learn any lessons about what we can achieve as Liverpool FC when everyone is together like this. We absolutely know it now. It just makes sense to carry on being like this and then seeing where it takes us. There are no guarantees, of course, but it definitely gives us a chance.”
