City manager Pep Guardiola was on Merseyside to watch Liverpool defeat Stoke 4-1 on Tuesday, a detail that was brought to Klopp’s attention in the post-match interviews.
“I respect them a lot but I have not been to City’s stadium this season or last to watch games. Maybe they want to watch good football,” he said with a smile in reference to Guardiola’s attendance.
“We are already looking forward. It’s a difficult game for both teams but an exciting one. The best news for us is that it’s at Anfield.
“They’re an outstanding side, we are not too bad. It’ll be a nice game.
“Whatever I say, we cannot win it now but maybe I could say a few things that make it more difficult for us.”
City will of course have striker Sergio Aguero back for the game after suspension, although in the Argentinian’s absence Kelechi Iheanacho has been stealing some headlines of his own.
Watch Kelechi score against Hull below
Jack Rathborn reports in the Daily Mirror: “Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho continues his incredible goalscoring record after stepping in for Sergio Aguero.
“The Nigeria international struck in the 3-0 victory at Hull on Boxing Day, improving to 12 goals in 38 Premier League games.
“That, at a rate of a goal every 96 minutes, makes him the prolific striker in the league’s history from those with a minimum of 10 goals.
“Those 12 strikes have come from just 19 shots on goal, proving how deadly the 20-year-old is in front of goal.”
Staying on the striker theme, Sky Sports’ Nick Wright has penned an analysis piece on what Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus will bring to City when he arrives in January.
He writes: “ Jesus is the kind of player who gets fans off their seats, with his blistering acceleration and natural flair making him a formidable proposition in one-on-ones. His trickery is likely to make him popular among Premier League viewers, and he also boasts predatory finishing ability, with a level of composure that defies his tender years.
“Usurping Sergio Aguero as City’s first-choice striker is an unenviable task, but Jesus can also play on the flanks. That versatility will be crucial to Guardiola, and while Jesus’ speed and technical ability are his stand-out qualities, he has other attributes which suggest he will be a good fit for his new side.”
We’ll have more media talk same place, same time tomorrow!
