Monk took over for Michael Laudrup at Swansea in February of 2014 and led the club to its highest Premier League finish ever but there has been a major drop off this season. They will be in confident mood after dismantling Manchester City at the Etihad last weekend, and winning against Bordeaux in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Advertisement
However, despite growing confidence within the squad Klopp has ruled out even thinking about a push for the title – for now at least.
“The situation is Daniel was very often injured in the last few months, and maybe years, so it is normal when you get back in training usually it is not the quality, but you need training”, Klopp said ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Swansea. “A player like Hendo needs flawless physical [condition], he has to be really fit, not only 50 per cent. If he is in this shape, we can use him and he can help us”.
“Yes I met him”.
He added: “If I want to know something about Liverpool I can read Marco Polo [travel guide]”.
Liverpool are now just six points off the top four spot, and just eight off the top of the league, and with the busy winter fixtures approaching, the Reds could see themselves climbing up the table rapidly if they can find some consistency.
“That is the way the club perceives itself”.
Self-confessed Liverpool fan Andre Ayew is reportedly on Jurgen Klopp’s transfer wish-list, and despite Gary Monk’s recent dismissal of the rumours, Ayew – hailed by Ghana boss Kwesi Appiah as a’world-class’ attacker – has dropped yet another hint this week that he’s looking for a way out of Swansea.
A tough start to the Premier League season has forced Swansea City’s board to consider making some serious changes to the team. Liverpool have not been genuine title contenders for a while.
“We have to defend very well, that’s for sure, and if we move more than enough, if we play football, then we can find spaces”, he said.
“They were hard circumstances”, Monk said.
“Any player will tell you they need a run of games to get up to speed”.
Advertisement
“They deserve big credit for that, and you don’t judge them on that performance”.
