Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp believes that he is still a manager because of his success in the past. The comments come after the sackings of Chelsea and Leicester managers Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers on Sunday, with Liverpool hosting Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday evening. Liverpool was defeated 4-1 by Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, their ninth away league defeat this season, with their present form pushing some clubs to fire their management. Yet Klopp is still in charge and appears to be in good hands. Despite Liverpool’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League table, he acknowledges that it is mostly owing to his previous triumphs, which he dislikes.
“I’m conscious that I’m sitting here because of what happened in the past, not because of what we did this season. That would be a little different if this was my first season. We have knowledgeable owners that are aware of the situation, but that doesn’t mean anything else,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said. “So there’s no need to be concerned. I’m not here to serve as a talisman or to paint murals on the house walls. I’m here to deliver, I’m certain of it, there’s nothing else on my mind. Yet I know I’m here because of what’s transpired in recent years. I despise having to rely on that; whether it’s correct or not will have to be determined in the future.”
The visit to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday will be an unusual occasion, as both Liverpool and Chelsea will be trying to improve on their respective weekend setbacks, while the Blues will be led by former Brighton defender Bruno Saltor. Klopp says his squad wants to respond, but recognizes that it will be difficult given the short turnaround from Saturday to Tuesday for both teams.
“We can’t actually work on the pitch. Games like this [Man City defeat] have an impact, but there is also a desire to react. The boys are still wonderful people who wish to express themselves completely,” he added. “The concern is the quick turnaround. I have no idea who I can line up with right now; I got this information after the press conference since we want to give the boys as much time as possible to heal.”
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