Liverpool not favourites against 'cheeky b*******' Napoli, says Klopp

Liverpool may be the European champion, but Jurgen Klopp feels it is the underdog against Napoli.

Published : Sep 17, 2019 10:02 IST

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to create more history this season at Anfield. 
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to create more history this season at Anfield. 
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is determined to create more history this season at Anfield. 

Jurgen Klopp insisted Liverpool is not favourite for its Champions League clash against "cheeky b*******" Napoli on Tuesday.

The Premier League giant begins the defence of its European title at the Stadio San Paolo, where it was beaten in October last year.

Reflecting on that 1-0 defeat, Klopp said Liverpool's failure to adjust tactically was the reason for its loss in Naples.

"We talk a lot about intensity. The Napoli game last season was not intensity, Napoli was an organisation problem," the Liverpool manager told UK newspapers.

"All the things we tell the boys, it is all about intensity and how much we have to invest, but before that it is all about information. What do you have to do in these moments?

"And Napoli play a specific style. To make it very simple, we played against them in our defending like they had one number six but they had two number sixes, the cheeky b*******. We knew before.

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"We told them they had two number sixes but then everyone came too late. We tried to change it in the game and nobody listened and nobody could change and in the end, we were lucky it was only 1-0. It was really this kind of off day."

The loss to Napoli was one of three away defeats Liverpool suffered in the group stage last season, although it improved on the road on its way to the title.

Despite being the defending champion, Klopp said his side was the underdog heading into the clash.

"We will have to invest whatever we have in the game and then we have a chance but we don't go there as a favourite," he said.

"Yes, we won the competition last season but it is difficult against the runner-up in Italy for the last few seasons, who is really close to Juventus this year and a really strong team.

"They are different to last year, not too much, but enough to have a view on it."

"They have some really good new players but are mainly the same. We are similar - we didn't sign a lot. Napoli are stubborn in a very positive way. They are creative. I enjoy analysing them.

"Can I be sure that something like that won't happen again? No, but the boys haven't given me any signs to think it.  Let's use our skills, stay in the game, fight for everything."

Do not feel burden of being League holder

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti rates the Premier League leader as favourite to retain its continental crown and Klopp is determined to create more history this season at Anfield. 

"We don't feel the burden of being champions," he said at his pre-match news conference. "It was long ago [that we won it].

"We haven't spoken about being holders. Until Saturday we were really focused on Newcastle and yesterday we had a session and today we had one. We spoke about the competition then.

"Will teams play differently against us? I have no clue.

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"You cannot imagine how normal it is to carry on after the celebrations - if you have the right character. We want to create more stories in the future.

"If you start drinking and taking drugs, driving different cars and leaving your missus at home because you are a Champions League winner, then I can't help you."

Liverpool is sweating on the fitness of left-back Andy Robertson for Tuesday's match and Divock Origi will definitely miss out.

"Robbo didn't train today and we have to see," Klopp told the club's official website.

"It is not a major thing, it was more precautionary today, but it is not 100 per cent sure [he will be available]. We will have to test it tomorrow and then we will see.

"Origi? We expect him [to be out for] between one and two weeks, but it depends a little bit on when he can deal with the pain."

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