Jurgen Klopp expects Manchester City to put the disappointment of their Champions League semi-final behind them as they prepare for the visit of Newcastle United on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Real Madrid as they were dealt more European heartbreak.
They only have a few days to put the frustration to bed before they resume their relentless Premier League battle with Liverpool at the Etihad. Eddie Howe and his players will be hoping to pile more misery on the champions in their bid to consolidate a place in the top half.
A win for the Magpies would bring an end to a nightmare five-day period for the visitors, especially if Liverpool beat Tottenham on Saturday evening. Although, Klopp is under no illusions that Man City will be ready to go again at 4:30pm on Sunday.
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“[The Real Madrid defeat] was a massive blow. I think everyone was ready to switch the television off then, all of a sudden, part two started,” said the Reds boss in his pre-match press conference.
“That was really harsh, I can imagine. I’ve had nights like this, it’s not cool.
“The next morning is not enjoyable but there’s a moment when you then realise ‘okay, we cannot change that anymore and now we have to focus’ and that’s Newcastle on Sunday, they will be ready.”
Like Klopp, Howe expects Sunday’s opponents to shake off any emotion from the dramatic defeat at the Bernabeu. In his own press conference, the United manager touched on what he wants to see from his players at the home of the league leaders.
“From our perspective, we will 100% prepare for the best Manchester City so we'll have to be the best Newcastle we can be,” said Howe. “Looking back to last week [against Liverpool], that was the disappointing thing that we just lacked a bit of intensity."
