📣 Klopp on injury latest, penalty records and Man Utd rivalry | OneFootball

Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday in what looks like being one of the defining games of this Premier League campaign.

Will the Red Devils end the reigning champions long unbeaten home run? Or can the Anfield outfit get one over their long-standing rivals?

The boss has been having say …

On beating Man Utd

“Winning v United is enough itself. Not necessary for anything extra. They have the points and deserve them. Still a long way to go. Not that we talk about if we win we are ahead. Man City is one game behind and close. We just try to win.

“They have to focus on the game. We will see and will try like we always have. That is it.”

On maintaining their Anfield record

“Not at all [proud] as I’ve never thought about it. An OK record.

“Who cares if you don’t win the next one? So far, so good. We carry on and get better. It feels I’ve had more than 200 [overall]. All OK, nothing to think about.”

On respective penalty records

“I 100% never mention something like [trying to win pens]. It has never happened. Am I surprised someone is talking about what I have said? Clattenburg? No. It’s nice we can talk about him. I am not Sir Alex for different reasons.

“When people like Clattenburg speak now, it says much more about them than it does about me. I have no skills for playing mind games, that is my problem.

“In the last two games, Mane v Southampton was fouled, a pen for me. Not important but my opinion. A handball. One where Sadio didn’t go down. So people who say he’s a diver is just not right.

“Another v Newcastle, the keeper grabbed Sadio’s leg. He didn’t go down. I never asked him why. It’s not the player who makes the decision, it should be the ref.”

Matip and Keïta updates

“Joel is close. Does it make sense to throw him in after 1 or 2 sessions he hasn’t done yet? I don’t know.

“We have to have a look how he trains. We have solutions. Hendo is important for midfield. Nothing decided yet.”

On Marcus Rashford

“I said it before, exceptional. He has some honours, absolutely right. A little a shame he has to do this work. He has done it because he had the same situation when he was a kid. Just great to see him never forgetting his roots. Exceptional.”

On ‘outstanding’ Bruno Fernandes

“Outstanding player. We played Sporting in USA and that game you could see, wow. A difference maker and that is what he shows now. An influential player now. Goal involvements important but he is the link-up player and is a leader too. A good signing for Utd.”

On banning group celebrations

“We will just try [to tone it down]. We all know the situation. The boys so far have done an incredible job to be disciplined with all the things around the virus. They will do their best if there is hopefully something to celebrate. It’s difficult..

“When you run alone towards the goal and have the opportunity to score and in next situation you have to think about what you do next, it’s a proper challenge. Football is an emotional game. These players are tested 3 times a week.”