Frank Lampard has praised Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea manager said his young squad would have to be at their best to get a result against the European Champions but enjoys competing against the German.
"I respect him [Klopp] hugely and it was a nice thing going up against him in the Super Cup," said Lampard. "He doesn't mess about and quite rightly has got the success he deserves."
Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup in August after a close 90 minutes saw the game finish 2-2 and Lampard was encouraged by his side's performance.
"It showed we can compete with one of the best teams in the country," said the Chelsea boss. "It's a new game and if you aren't at your best then they are a team who will punish you."
Chelsea were given a transfer ban in the summer which has given Lampard the chance to promote younger players to the first team.
Tammy Abraham scored a hat-trick in his last league outing and Fikayo Tomori was also on the scoresheet.
Both 21-year-olds could start on Sunday but Lampard said coming up against the likes of Virgil Van Dijk will be a challenge - and issued a warning to his side.
He said: "Van Dijk's performances have put him right up there. It's a test for our centre-forward.
"Tomori has shown a real calmness but give Liverpool a second and they have gone."
Lampard would not be drawn on whether Mason Mount would be fit for the game after picking up an injury against Valencia on Wednesday.
"He has got a chance. We saw the image of the tackle made it look bad.
"We are trying to get him moving today, I will have to make the call before the game.
"We won't take risks, there is a bigger picture, we will do our best."
