“Of course we’ve dropped points, but the competition is very long [and] we’ve beaten teams that, theoretically, will be up there fighting for the title, so that boosts our confidence, and the fans’ confidence”.
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“Until now, it was not the best moment but he is still a wonderful player and now we have to make him fit”.
The German coach addressed the press on Wednesday and spoke about the influence of Sturridge, who didn’t net against Leicester City in the 4-1 win on Saturday.
“There was enough in the Swansea game – even though they were pegged back – to suggest Conte has got them into a rhythm that could make them very hard to beat”.
No wonder the player offered: “In the last few seasons I have played as a 10 or as a winger”.
Jurgen Klopp’s side looked risky in the final third but conceded through a shocking defensive error.
There’s rarely a news conference with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte that doesn’t involve a line of questioning on Costa.
While Costa has his critics for his antics on the pitch and a reputation for playing the game on the edge, Klopp sees only a top talent his side need to stop, although he has scored just once in four appearances against Liverpool since arriving from Atletico Madrid.
While Liverpool supporters were delighted to hear that Luiz could well be thrown into action on Friday, Klopp has also had his say on the erratic defender.
“The problem is they maybe have the same plan”.
“I think it’s an interesting and impressive career”.
The Anfield boss says the Reds’ backline must be combative against the fiery Spain global, who has scored four league goals already this season.
Luiz, who returned to the west London club from Paris Saint-Germain in a surprise £32 million ($42.7 million, 38 million euros) move on transfer deadline day, will replace injured Blues captain John Terry at Stamford Bridge.
“I want this from my players, to put doubts in my mind”.
Klopp’s first Premier League victory with Liverpool came in last season’s corresponding fixture, a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge in which Coutinho bagged a brace on either side of halftime to cancel out a goal by Ramires in the fourth minute.
“He’s worked a lot in recent days on the defensive situations with the ball when we are in possession”.
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“Antonio [Conte] has already created a good relationship with him so he is completely different”.
