Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Genk will be looking to spring a season-defining upset but Jürgen Klopp insists his players will be ready.
With another three points secured in the league, Liverpool and manager Jürgen Klopp turn their attentions back to Europe and Genk, with matchday four of their Champions League group stage endeavours set for Tuesday evening at Anfield.
Liverpool currently sit relatively comfortable in second, a point behind Napoli and three ahead of Red Bull Salzburg and knowing that a win against the group trailers will put them in a very strong position heading into the final two rounds.
“It’s a challenge but it’s a nice one to have and means you have a good team,” Klopp said of their position as favourites to advance—if they play up to expectations. “It’s not the biggest problem, but it is 100% clear we must put in a proper shift.
“The group is still open so we need everyone. Genk will want to strike back, they can still make the Europa League. They still have targets and we need to respect them, but the story of the last years is we are spot on when we need to be.”
In the past, that kind of confidence might have come off as false bravado, but with number of late victories this side has secured and their role as defending European champions, a bit of faith in them to deliver when they must seems justified.
And whatever does happen on Tuesday, things won’t get easier for the Reds, with Manchester City arriving on Sunday for a clash between this season’s frontrunners and title favourites—not that Klopp has any time for that, at least not yet.
“You can say the words Manchester City but I don’t think about them,” he added. “It would be a bit embarrassing if I have to tell them, ‘City’s on Sunday, Genk is tomorrow.’ I really don’t need to tell the boys.”
