Liverpool vs Genk - We can’t be distracted by City showdown, says Klopp ahead of Genk clash
Posted Tuesday, November 05, 2019 by PA
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists his side cannot think ahead to Manchester City until after Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Genk.
The Premier League title rivals meet on Sunday but both have European commitments first and Klopp is demanding “100 per cent focus” on Belgian opposition against whom his defending European champions won 4-1 a fortnight ago.
“The story the boys wrote in the last three years was only possible because we were always focused on the next game,” said the German, whose side also finished second in last season’s Premier League with 97 points.
“No-one thinks, and I don’t have to tell them, ‘City is on Sunday, tomorrow is Genk’.
“We have bigger ambitions in this competition than tomorrow night so we have to be 100 per cent spot on.
“We have to make sure we get these three points and that only works if you are 100 per cent focused on that.”
Klopp was pragmatic after his goalkeeper Alisson Becker bemoaned the “stupid goals” which have cost the team clean sheets this season, including in the 88th minute of the previous meeting with Genk when Stephen Odey pulled one back.
“Our main target is not to keep clean sheets, we want to keep them but we have to be creative,” said Klopp.
“For me, it is more important opponents don’t create against us. If they score with their one shot, it is not nice.
“I can imagine it annoys the goalkeeper but he is as happy when we win games as the others.”
Klopp has no new injury concerns and could recall midfielder Fabinho, having left him out at the weekend to avoid him getting a booking which would have ruled him out of the City game.
Captain Jordan Henderson could be rested, having played 90 minutes at Villa Park, so James Milner may come in.
Genk coach Felice Mazzu insists his squad are not at Anfield to “take photos” but did admit he had brought every available player to experience the big-match atmosphere.
“I brought everyone because I think it is a great moment for the club, for all the players, so my desire was that everyone is here,” he said.
“It is the moment to enjoy but not to be here to take photos. It is to give their life on the pitch and play the best football possible.
“They play a big game against a big team perhaps for once in our life in a place like this.”
Midfielder Sander Berge added: “I never thought I would play at Anfield with Genk. I am happy to be here.
“It’s a big dream coming true to play the best team in the world and at Anfield it is something special.
“They are known for having maybe the best fans in the world and will make sure we do better than last time.”
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