Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp mocked his own defensive shortcomings as a player as he hailed Bordeaux boss Willy Sagnol as “world class” ahead of the pair’s meeting in the Europa League on Thursday.
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However, convincing wins over Chelsea and Manchester City in recent weeks has given the Reds faithful reason for optimism, with Liverpool in sumptuous form in their 4-1 victory over City last Saturday.
Liverpool are expected to earn three home points from their Europa League clash against Bordeaux at Anfield on Thursday night.
Klopp has stressed the need for the England worldwide to prove he will not suffer any more injury breakdowns, having seen last season decimated by thigh and calf problems which resulted in a hip operation in May.
“But the best news is that Daniel is becoming closer and closer, he can train seven or eight times in a row”. “Even if you make a mistake, afterwards he will talk to you and explain to you the wrong things and the good things”, he explained.
“I would say it has been ups and downs but the most important thing is the present”.
“We have to try to bring him into a situation”.
“We will have to make the most of the opportunities that we have because, in this kind of game, what makes the difference is efficiency”.
Liverpool’s display at the home of one of the title favourites certainly took all the headlines last weekend which may see numerous league’s sides sit up and take notice of Liverpool.
This season is the first in which Sane has been a “first-team regular” at Schalke, and he’s certainly delivered thus far.
Bordeaux are struggling in the French Ligue 1, now sitting in 13th spot after winning just four of their opening fourteen games.
Daniel Sturridge is expected to be on the bench and will be hoping to get some minutes under his belt as he continues to build his fitness after a spell on the sidelines.
However, playmaker Philippe Coutinho is out with a hamstring problem, while centre-back Martin Skrtel is ill and unlikely to start.
“The intensity of this number of tournaments (means) sometimes you have to pay the price and I would say Crystal Palace was more of this than something else”, he added.
“I think when I’m quiet then I am nervous so it is better to be the opposite”. That is important too, so we are in a good position in this moment.
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The 26-year-old said his confidence has been repaired since Klopp took over, although that has also stemmed from his performances in training and at Manchester City on Saturday.
