Jürgen Klopp: Us 'journey hunters' have a situation packed with opportunity

Programme notesJürgen Klopp: Us 'journey hunters' have a situation packed with opportunity

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Jürgen Klopp hopes to savour every second of the next few months as Liverpool continue to compete on three fronts.

The Reds play the first of their eight fixtures during April this lunchtime when Watford visit Anfield in the Premier League.

Champions League and Emirates FA Cup ties are also on the agenda, with Klopp urging players and supporters to enjoy the journey the club will go on between now and the end of May.

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In the matchday programme for the Watford contest, the boss writes: “During the international break, I had the opportunity to think back to the start of the season and some of the thoughts and hopes we shared.

“One of those was arriving into the situation we find ourselves in now. A situation packed with opportunity. That’s what we’ve given ourselves. A real chance. And that’s fantastic.

“I’d have to check but I’m pretty sure it was the start of the campaign when I wrote about a comment I’d heard from a supporter which I really liked. It was that the phrase ‘glory hunter’ can often be tagged to those drawn to following certain clubs. The point was with Liverpool it’s different. It’s not ‘glory hunting’, it’s ‘journey hunting’. And I think this sentiment matters more today than at any point.

“It is about the journey and we are on it. This shouldn’t be twisted to suggest a specific destination either – I don’t mean a specific target.

“Let’s get the perspective right here. We are in three competitions right now. I’m not a person who understands betting so I’m not sure what the odds are, but I doubt very much we are favourites in any? I’m sure we are not rank outsiders either, but for certain not an outright frontrunner. That’s cool.

“Also, it doesn’t matter. Because it’s the journey that will decide, not anyone’s expectation or formula. I’m not sure if I have ever been the leader of a team who at the start of a competition was outright favourite to win it, but equally I couldn’t care less. This fact has never made me fight harder to win. It wouldn’t make me fight less, if the other way around.

“Being journey hunters brings its own energy. It means you get to enjoy the moment and be in every moment. I can’t think of a time when it’s more important to channel this, than on days like today.

“A lunchtime kick-off, after an international break, against opposition fighting for their lives with a streetwise leader. All the ingredients to trip you up. It means focus has to be absolute, and not a focus on something that might happen – a focus only on today, the 90 minutes, nothing else.

“When you are a team and club who takes maximum joy from the journey, like we do, days like this are so important. We recognise how tough the match is. We show the contest the respect it deserves, through our effort and our approach. We reflect humility by ensuring we give all we have. Maximum effort is required from everyone inside this ground who loves LFC.

“Being able to embrace the thrill of the journey and realise it’s where fulfilment comes, really matters. In my time at this football club I think we have done this so well as a collective. No entitlement ever. We fight so hard together, give so much together because we recognise how difficult it is to achieve these special moments.”

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