Jürgen Klopp sends warning to Liverpool over ‘wounded’ Chelsea

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, right, faced José Mourinho four times when he was in charge of Borussia Dortmund. Photograph: Lars Baron/Bongarts

Jürgen Klopp has warned Liverpool to beware of a “wounded” Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and insisted he has total respect for José Mourinho’s managerial career.

Related: José Mourinho clear to be in Chelsea dugout for critical Liverpool match

Liverpool visit the struggling champions on Saturday with their new manager seeking a third win in five matches against Mourinho, having faced the then Real Madrid coach four times with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Mourinho is under intense pressure after a run of one win in seven matches and Tuesday’s Capital One Cup exit against 10-man Stoke City but Klopp believes Chelsea could be a more dangerous opponent as a consequence.

The new Liverpool manager said: “Do the Chelsea players not know any more how to play football? No, of course not. They did well in the last game. Last year you know how Chelsea play – very good defence, very good structure and with the quality to finish the situation up front. It was not only [Eden] Hazard but [Diego] Costa, Oscar and Ramires, all great football players. Set pieces too are very dangerous with John Terry and [Gary] Cahill.

Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp warns team to ‘respect’ Chelsea’s quality

“It’s difficult to play against Chelsea. I’m not sure it is easy to play against Chelsea. They were full of self confidence last year so maybe that makes a difference now but to be wounded, sometimes that makes you stronger too.”

Related: Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno: I felt inner anger after being out of team

Stamford Bridge also hosts a clash of two of the biggest managerial personalities in the Premier League on Saturday, although Klopp avoided fuelling any perceived rivalry with Mourinho.

“When I was in Germany we sent some messages,” revealed Klopp. “For my side I am full of respect for his work. When you are not a journalist or a referee he can be a nice guy. I like him with people and he is a nice guy. He is emotional, I am emotional but we have enough respect to know after a game that we have a normal lifestyle. Everything is OK between us.”

Liverpool’s manager confirmed Christian Benteke has resumed full training after missing the Capital One Cup win over Bournemouth with a knee problem and will be fit for Chelsea. Daniel Sturridge again misses out with a knee injury.