Jurgen Klopp has told his title hopefuls that the biggest game in world football sets them up for “an outstanding last period of the season.” The Liverpool boss knows his side’s destiny will be influenced strongly by the visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, as they face the division’s in-form team. Defeat by Manchester United would be a desperate blow – but Klopp is adamant he can’t worry about the consequences of losing. Instead, he wants the occasion to inspire a grandstand finish to the campaign. “Everybody knows in football that Manchester United against Liverpool is one of the biggest games in world football. We have to prepare for that and still play a game,” he explained. Read More Dimitar Berbatov makes his Manchester United vs Liverpool prediction “I think we are in really good shape to be honest. We have had our little problems two, three weeks ago when we drew twice, but we have a chance to play an outstanding last period of the season, with one of the most difficult games as the start of the last period. “We have to be ready for all of them. Now it is a really big one, I know that, I respect that. You think it is only a big game for Manchester United? If you go in our dressing room they are all long enough here, that’s the massive thing.” People are already suggesting this is the pivotal moment in Liverpool’s title quest, with defeat leaving Manchester City on top. But Klopp dismisses that argument forcefully: “If we would see it like a lot of people see it that it is THE game, that is too much pressure on everybody. Read More Trent Alexander-Arnold putting friendships on hold ahead of Man Utd vs Liverpool “You cannot do it like that. I don’t think about losing the game, but if we do then we are still level on points with Man City That is the worst thing that can happen. “Yes, we have to be 100 per cent ready to have a chance there. But If we are 100 per cent ready then we have a chance there – we are strong enough that they have to respect us as well.” Klopp has Virgil van Dijk back from suspension, but Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez are still out.
