Programme notesJürgen Klopp: This is a time to continue working and build on what we have done

The Reds begin the new calendar year this evening by welcoming Newcastle United to Anfield in the Premier League, aiming to consolidate their current position at the top.

• Get your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield this evening or at our online store here

In tonight's matchday programme, the boss writes in his column: "Having ended the last year pretty well, we would, of course, now like to start the new one in a similar way.

"This is not a moment for us to look for a fresh start – it is a time when we have to continue with the hard work that we have done in the first half of the season and build on it in the second.

"There have been so many positives that it would not make sense to list them all, but the biggest one is definitely that there are still a lot of improvements for us to make. This is where our focus has to be: doing everything we possibly can to take the next steps on our journey. Then we will see where this takes us.

"To tell you the truth, I could not be happier with our last performance away to Burnley. I said immediately after the game that our finishing could and should have been better and my mind definitely has not changed on this.

"But overall it was exceptional that we could play the way that we did in what was our fourth game in the space of 10 incredibly intense days. The players deserve so much credit for this.

"The challenges in this league are only ever big ones. Burnley's league position might not be what they want but their football is of a much higher level. So, although we could have definitely made life easier for ourselves by taking more of our chances, it was clear to everyone that we deserved to win the game.

"We should also not forget that in order to miss chances, you have to create them and this is an area of our game that I have been really pleased with lately.

"It would definitely make sense if we could show this kind of quality again tonight because under Eddie Howe Newcastle are a team which is well-organised and difficult to break down, while at the same time carrying a real threat in attack.

"They are also a side which will want to strike back after a disappointing result against Nottingham Forest. For all of these reasons and many more, they will be a dangerous opponent."

Klopp continues: "Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the supporters, for the backing you gave us in our most recent home game against Arsenal. It was truly exceptional and I absolutely loved it.

"When the atmosphere is like this it is hard to imagine that there could be a better place to play or watch football. Anfield at its very best really is a sensational place.

"But – and being a manager of this club there always has to be a 'but' because the responsibility has to be to drive the highest standards – it left me wanting more. I know this is a big ask but then I also know that the conditions will be in place for a repeat.

"We will have, if not the very same people in every case, then definitely the same type of people, the same stadium, the same opportunity to create something special.

"January is a bit different to the other months because after playing a home league game on the first day, we will not play another until the final day, so it makes sense that we do everything we possibly can on and off the pitch to make the most of this one. Hopefully between us we can start the year in a good way."

• Get your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield this evening or at our online store here