Programme notesJürgen Klopp: We must embrace the challenge in front of us
Jürgen Klopp says his Liverpool squad must embrace the challenge in front of them ahead of a busy run of fixtures before the break for the FIFA World Cup.
The Reds will contest 13 games across all competitions before the halt in club action for the winter international tournament.
Klopp's charges begin that run of matches against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League at Anfield this afternoon and are looking to begin on a positive footing.
The manager - writing in today's matchday programme notes - says: "No-one here is hiding from the fact we have had a far from ideal start to the campaign. But at the same time, we all see the opportunity that is right in front of us.
"Between now and the break for the World Cup we are 'game, game, game, game'. It is persistent. It is relentless. But that's been our life at LFC for as long as I can remember.
"We have to embrace this challenge. See it as pressure of opportunity. It starts, as always, with me as the manager and my staff - but it's the same for the players and the supporters.
"Everything we have achieved at LFC in recent years has been because we have been a strong collective. We don't need to remind ourselves of this necessarily, but it is our 'not-so-secret-sauce'.
"We are greater than the sum of our parts. And I am confident it will be this that carries us through this extraordinary period coming between now and mid-November.
"A strong collective is a part of it. The other is a laser-like focus on what we can positively impact. For us it has to always be the next game and the next game only. As aware as we are of the remarkable schedule, the only thing that matters is the game right in front of you.
"Brighton is the most important match of our season; the beginning and the end. All of us, from the pitch, to the dugout, to the stands… we have to give our all for this game. This 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Yesterday can only help for information and tomorrow we will address when it arrives. We must be in the present - in the moment - in the here and now for all of these games.
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"Anfield never needs a team-talk, but I do want to acknowledge what a massive difference it has made this season already. It was the positive energy and support that helped us over the line against Ajax. You were with us at all times. We need that same patience and belief today. We need energy today. We need our most precious resource today. Now - as much as ever - the impact of the Liverpool supporters can be the difference.
"Before signing these notes off I do want to make a special mention of a member of the Brighton team who always has a special place in my heart and this club's also. Adam Lallana! It didn't surprise me at all that while Brighton were waiting for a new head coach Adam was asked to help with the leadership around the first team.
"Having watched him play this season, my personal view is that it's too early for him to be considering moving away from the dressing room. But I was really pleased to see his qualities as an inspirational and emblematic figure were recognised by his current employer.
"Adam is one of the good guys and I'm sure Roberto De Zerbi will discover, as I did back in 2015, how valuable he will be in helping a new coach settle in England. All that said, I also hope that both these guys and everyone with a Brighton persuasion leave Anfield disappointed today. It is our job to make sure that is the outcome."
