Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that his side were not at their best in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with league leaders, Manchester City in a decisive fixture for the right to claim the Premier League title come May.
Liverpool came from behind twice to earn a point in the game after goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mané canceled out efforts from Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus respectively.
Ahead of the side’s meeting again this weekend in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley, the German tactician has divulged that his side ‘can perform at a different level’ when they face their rival on Saturday for a place in the Emirates FA Cup final.
Liverpool surrendered a two goal lead ti draw 3-3 with Benfica on Wednesday in the Champions League but still progressed 6-4 on aggregate after a commanding performance in the first leg, which earned them a 3-1 win in Lisbon.
Manchester City on the other hand were also held in a goalless draw with Atletico Madrid in Spain but also managed to qualify for the Champions League last four thanks to their 1-0 win in Manchester last week.
City however will rue injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker in a very physical encounter at the Metropolitano while contrastingly, Liverpool got the avenue to rest a good number of their first team players to have them fresh for Saturday’s cracker.
When asked whether the two sides can surprise each other any more, Klopp said: “We think a lot about these games. We have to. City were really strong last week and we were not at our best.”
“So, I’d like to see a game where we are at our best. It would be interesting so why don’t we give that a try? That would be nice, it could be a surprise if all of a sudden, we are good.”
“The boys did a lot of good stuff in the game, but there were a couple of things and I know that we can perform to a different level.”
“Then it’s a cup game, a one off, and if it’s 2-2 again then it’s 120 minutes then it’s penalties, that would be really crazy to go all the way.”
In addition, Klopp also express his confident that Diogo Jota will be fit to face Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.
The Portuguese was taken off with a knock just before the hour in Champions League draw with Benfica, however, Klopp believes the forward will be fine for the trip to Wembley on Saturday.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager said: “Diogo pulled up slightly directly after the game.”
“It’s Diogo: there’s a good chance he will be all right but we need to have a look tomorrow. That’s it.” He added.
Liverpool face City for the third time this season after the first two had ended in stalemate. This clash however must produce a tie breaker if not in normal time then in extra time and with penalties if required.
There’s also a possibility that the two will meet in the Champions League final if they can get the better of their respective opponents in the semi final.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
