Jurgen Klopp has warned that the “most intense period in world football” is coming up as Liverpool prepare to host Fulham on Sunday.
The Reds face three league games in just six days as the festive schedule ramps up, with a midweek game against Sheffield United to come after Fulham before a trip to Crystal Palace in the early kick-off next Saturday.
Liverpool secured their qualification into the knockout stages of the Europa League with a 4-0 win against LASK on Thursday and face a quick turnaround as they prepare to face Marco Silva’s men.
“We have to make sure it will be extremely difficult for them,” Klopp said.
“Silva is a top manager, he’s doing a brilliant job in a strong league. They’re a really good football team the way they’ve set up. We have to make sure we use the few moments we have to prepare properly.
“This is the most intense period in world football coming up. We have to share the minutes with different players. They are all in my squad.”
Jürgen Klopp on #LIVFUL, our Anfield record, Kelleher faith and more 🗣️
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Liverpool come into the fixture on a good run of form and sit just two points off the top of the table after their 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend, but Klopp warned they must not get ahead of themselves.
He said: “I think my best skill is not feeling winning streaks. I just don’t feel it. The next game is so important, so different, so difficult and that’s why I don’t think they help really.
“Maybe for other teams they think Anfield is a difficult place to go but for us each game stays difficult because of the quality of the opponent.”
Caoimhín Kelleher is set to start his first Premier League game of the season against The Cottagers with Alisson ruled out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury, and after an impressive performance on Thursday Klopp reiterated how important the Irishman is to the squad.
“We see him every day in training, he’s exceptional. Maybe we don’t mention his name enough. From day one John Achterberg told me ‘this will be our homegrown boy who will make it’.
“It’s not the situation we wanted (with Alisson injured) but now he will get a few games. I trust him.”
Diogo Jota is also out for the weekend after being substituted against City with no timeframe set on his return.
Liverpool can make it seven games unbeaten in the Premier League, while Fulham are looking to build some momentum after their dramatic late winner at Wolves last weekend.
