“I have never had a problem with too much confidence”, Klopp told a press conference. In his likely absence, Roberto Firmino is in contention for a recall at St James’ Park. “Sometimes it happens like this – there’s nothing to criticise about this”, he explained.
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“Yesterday nobody gave me this sign [that he is ready] so we have to wait again”.
It’s hard to deny that Liverpool are on a roll; away from Anfield the Reds have looked indestructible, downing Chelsea 3-1, brushing past Manchester City 4-1 and, on Thursday, securing progression the semi-finals of the League Cup with a 6-1 thrashing of Southampton.
He is set to miss out on Sunday’s trip to Newcastle as he serves a one-match ban after picking up his fifth booking of the season.
Coming up against Newcastle, a side with just two wins in 12 fixtures which sits second bottom of the Premier League, would appear to play into their hands.
“We have to take care of this”, said Klopp.
He cited the improved morale and good feeling at the club, the fact the Reds have played all of the top six away from home already, that their rivals are failing to dominate the league, squad depth and Daniel Sturridge’s return, among other reasons. It’s flawless we have him back and can bring him in the game.
Hendo has made a big step in the last two weeks, and that is the best news. There were some doubts about the heel [injury] and so on, but he feels good, really good.
He added: “It’s about getting back to what we’re good at, which was having a mean defence and being good on the ball as well”.
He returned to the starting line-up for the first time since early-October in midweek to face Southampton and he scored twice. “Something isn’t right when you change the manager”, said Klopp. In the opponents’ defensive third, the classic situation these days is that the full-back will fan out to the flanks when the keeper is preparing to roll the ball out – out of the way, from the Liverpool perspective.
“We are often in talks about it – his problem is we speak the same language so I speak more with him”.
Such caution is perfectly understandable from a manager who insisted when he arrived he needed time, just as he was granted at Dortmund, where it took three years to forge a title-winning side.
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“What I heard is that even Brendan [Rodgers] thought his best position was in midfield”.
