Klopp says Saturday clash with Man City “massive game” for club

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says their away clash at Manchester City is a “massive game” for his club as they seek to make the top four this season.

The Reds travel to the Etihad tomorrow (April 1) to take on second place City in their returning game after the international break.

Sixth-placed Liverpool have had a rocky season so far but aim to climb their way up the table starting with their game against the Blues tomorrow.

In his pre-match press conference, Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp said: “We have to show up there and really go for it.

“It’s clear that against City you have to be on top of your game.

“You have to defend on a super high level and you have to play football well. That’s what, in our good games we always did and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Saturday’s game will be the first of three fixtures for Klopp’s side in nine days, as they go on to play 10th place Chelsea on Tuesday and table toppers Arsenal on the ninth.

Looking ahead, Klopp said: “I am super excited.

“The last game we played in Madrid was not a good game.

“The game before against Bournemouth was not good, but the game before that was world class and we have to pick up from there.”

Uncertainty over whether City’s top striker Erling Haaland will be fit for tomorrow’s game has drawn much attention, but Klopp is confident that his absence will not affect Liverpool’s preparations.

“You prepare for all the steps to avoid the final pass, and that’s where Erling comes into the game.

“If he cannot play, it makes City different but not weaker.”

City, who are hoping to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, have announced that Haaland’s fitness shall be confirmed following their final training today.

The injuries in the Liverpool squad are beginning to clear up.

Striker Darwin Nunez could return after missing his international matches and will be travelling to the Etihad with the squad.

Forward Luis Diaz is in training and is on track to return soon.

“Luis is back in small parts of training.

“Next week we will increase it and then he is ready. We will have to judge it by day but it looks really promising.”

The Reds will travel to Manchester for their 12:30pm KO at the Etihad tomorrow in hopes of claiming the victory.