WATCH: “Not in a title race yet” – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp emphasizes focus is only on ‘3 points’ ahead of CRUCIAL clash against Arsenal

Klopp says the focus is only on the next game against Arsenal.

WATCH: “Not in a title race yet” – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp emphasizes focus is only on ‘3 points’ ahead of CRUCIAL clash against Arsenal

Jurgen Klopp in a pre-match interview referred to the match against Arsenal (via Metro UK)

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, in a pre-match interview ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League encounter against table-toppers Arsenal, emphasized that the Reds are focused on securing a win and collecting maximum points against the Gunners. He further added that his team is yet to be a part of the title race.

Sitting in 3rd place in the Premier League standings, the Reds are trailing Mikel Arteta‘s side by just a single point. A victory on Saturday could propel them up the table, solidifying their position as strong contenders in the title race. Liverpool are coming off a thumping 5-1 win over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.

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Meanwhile, Klopp might face the absence of several key players, including Joel Matip, ruled out for the season, as well as Diogo Jota, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp brushed off any talk about the title race, emphasizing his focus on winning upcoming matches. While recognizing Arsenal’s good form and the importance of the game, Klopp sees it as a chance to get three points. He jokingly mentioned that every team aims to beat Liverpool at Anfield, acknowledging the challenge given the team’s unbeaten run there since February 2023.

I'm not in a title race, I just don't think about it. You are where you are, and then we wanna win the next football games. And the next match is against Arsenal! Some people might say that is more important than the other games, but in the end it is three points, and we have to go for them.
Jurgen Klopp said it on Sky SportsPL

He mentioned Liverpool’s past clash with their London rivals in April, which ended in a 2-2 draw. A late goal by their former forward Roberto Firmino, allowed the Reds to recover from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against the Gunners, thereby derailing their chances of winning the Premier League last season.

Liverpool and Arsenal predicted line-ups ahead of their thrilling Premier League encounter

The highly anticipated showdown between Premier League leaders Arsenal and Liverpool promises to captivate fans, as it holds the potential to determine the league’s top spot. The Gunners who do not have a fond memory of the Anfield, aim to halt Liverpool’s dominant home record against them. It is more than the two teams clash as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta will look to topple the other’s strategies.

Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta with a cold hug
Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta with a cold hug. (Image via Liverpool.com)

Both teams are likely to maintain their recent starting lineups with one or two changes to shuffle the pack.

Liverpool’s predicted XI (4-3-3):

Alisson – GK; Alexander-Arnold – RB, Konate – CB, Van Dijk – CB, Tsimikas – LB; Endo – CDM, Szoboszlai – RCM, Jones – LCM; Salah – RW, Nunez – CF, Diaz – LW

Arsenal’s predicted XI (4-1-2-3):

Raya – GK; White – RB, Saliba – CB, Gabriel M. – CB, Zinchenko – LB; Rice – CDM; Odegaard – AMF, Havertz – AMF; Saka – RW, Jesus – CF, Martinelli – LW

The result of this top-of-the-table clash will surely benefit one of the two teams as both will be looking to go strong before Christmas.

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