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Liverpool (2-1-1) are riding high after a 4-1 victory over defending champion Leicester City, a scoreline that was admittedly flattering after Roberto Firmino completed his brace in simple fashion late as Kasper Schmeichel raced out of the penalty area in vain to clear Sadio Mane’s through ball.
“He’s world class”, Klopp said.
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have an early chance to set the weekend pace with the Friday night visit of Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool, who return to London for the third time in five games after winning at Arsenal and drawing with Tottenham Hotspur.
Perhaps the biggest surprise with regards to English sides in the Champion’s League this season is the absence of Chelsea, a side who haven’t failed to qualify for the competition since 2002/2003. They’re competitive, physically strong and have learned from the experience of past year.
‘I never said in my life to a team, “he’s always close to a red card, do whatever you can so he gets it”,’ said Klopp.
Klopp was asked about his and Conte’s touchline antics – given how renowned the pair are for getting emotional in their celebrations.
“Conte is a great manager, a successful manager, the Pep Guardiola of Juventus if you want, in that he created their successful style and he was also successful with the Italian national team”.
“Then he had a bit of an injury, it’s not the best moment until now”.
The Spain global scored twice against Swansea on Sunday to take his tally to four in as many Premier League matches and appears to have rediscovered his form after a hard time in Jose Mourinho’s last season at Stamford Bridge.
“I think he is the right man for this club”, the Nigeria worldwide told the Chelsea website.
However, Klopp insists they should not be compared.
And although Sutton admits that Liverpool clearly have problems in defence, he is expecting to see them finish in the top four this term.
“I know about our respect for Chelsea, but I’m pretty sure it’s exactly the same from their side, because they saw us playing and they know we are not easy to play”.
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“It’s exciting, it’s a game to look forward to”.
