Klopp’s ‘uncomfortable’ reminder of derby record

Author: BBC Sport

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was served an “uncomfortable” reminder of his excellent record in the Merseyside derby as he prepared for Saturday’s lunchtime fixture against Everton.

Klopp has only lost one of 17 matches against the Toffees since joining the Reds in 2015, winning 10 times.

“It is uncomfortable when you tell me about my record,” said Klopp.

“I couldn’t be less interested in what happened in the past. We aren’t thinking about this.”

He added: “We understand the importance of the game, the pressure. I can’t remember enjoying the thought of a derby.

“There is a lot of intensity before a ball is kicked. It is a special game, a high-pressure game.

“All the players are used to the kind of game. We shouldn’t make it too big for the new players; they are ready for it.

Liverpool are fourth in the table with just one defeat so far, while Everton have won two of their past three games to move up to 16th.

“Everton are in a good moment, for three or four weeks they’ve got results,” said Klopp. “It is clear.”

With former Burnley manager Sean Dyche at the helm of Everton, Klopp is wary about this weekend’s opposition.

“Burnley in their best moments were a super difficult team to play and you can see again similar things,” Klopp said.

Everton have only won at Anfield once since 1999, a 2-0 victory in February 2021 in an empty stadium.

“It’s a proper derby. This is the biggest one I know. I’m still relatively new to Everton and you earn the right to have the same depth about this game, I’m learning all the time,” said Dyche.

The Toffees manager clashed with Klopp at half-time in the tunnel in Burnley’s win over Liverpool in January 2021.

“Every manager should be passionate in what they do. I’ve never properly fallen out with a manager or held a grudge,” Dyche said.

“We just both want the best for our teams. No problem with showing passion and commitment to the cause.”