Jürgen Klopp has said Liverpool will show they are up for the fight of reviving their faltering season at Tottenham on Thursday.
The Liverpool manager admits there are no guarantees this is the game where his team will improve a run of one win in seven matches, but he is convinced the resolve to repair their defence of the Premier League title will not be in question. Liverpool have won the past five league meetings between the sides and are aiming to record a third successive league double over Spurs for the first time.
“We are not happy about the situation but we think we can sort it and that is what we will do,” said Klopp, who expects to have Jordan Henderson and Joël Matip available after injury. “We will fight, we will fight the circumstance, we will fight the situation and we will fight tomorrow night. That is what we will do and we will see what we get from it.
“We are on fire, if you want, to strike back. The more negative things that are thought or said about us, maybe it helps. We can create that common fighting spirit again. Now we can show how strong we are. I am in it, and whoever wants to follow, they are welcome.”
Klopp was encouraged by aspects of Liverpool’s display in the FA Cup defeat by Manchester United on Sunday but insists neither misfortune nor injuries are to blame for the downturn.
“Some of the things that have happened to the squad were unlucky – the early injuries were unlucky – but since then it is not unlucky. It’s us and how we deal with different situations. That is the truth. The first goal we conceded against United, we tried too hard. I prefer trying too hard to not trying, but we had no protection.
“Before a game against Tottenham we should make sure that we are well protected against they way they play 100%. It is all a process and we are in it. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee now constantly or immediately the turnaround but we will work on it and we will really be there to show we are ready.”
Klopp reiterated his belief that incoming transfers are unlikely despite Liverpool’s glaring shortage in central defence. “I would not say absolutely 100% no but I don’t expect anything to happen to be honest.”
