Hillsborough response the best story I’ve heard - Klopp

In his pre-match comments ahead of the Merseyside Derby on Monday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp spoke about his impressions of Everton.

“For me it’s really special. It’s my first time at Goodison Park. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a very important moment of the season. Both teams are in a good mood. We watched the game together in Middlesbrough, Everton vs Arsenal. It was intense and good to see.

"It's very, very, very, very big. Everyone knows about the derby. It's pretty special. I watched the movie Creed - my first impression of Goodison Park.

“It will be a real battle between two good teams. Motivation will be clear. We will fill each space they give us in the stand.

“It’s out job to keep the home fans quiet as possible - if possible. The players know. It’s difficult. But it’s possible.”

Klopp then talked about the impact on the city.

“I can’t say Everton is my enemy since I am 12 years old. I like how Liverpool, the city, lives with these two big clubs. I have never had any issue with Everton fans.

“But it’s the game for us, we have to respect this and we will. I’m quite good at adapting to this.

"A lot of nice people support Everton. Football isn't most important thing in world but for ninety minutes on Monday night in Liverpool it is."

The two clubs drew 1-1 last season in the Goodison edition of the Derby, with Reds manager Brendan Rodgers getting fired at the end of the game.

"I watched the last derby at Goodison live on TV. Ings and Lukaku scored. I know about the big rivalry between the clubs.

“I didn’t know in that moment I would be Liverpool coach a few days later! I had time! It was good.

“I’m looking forward to it, but it’s not like I’ve watched a few of these games in the last years.”

He went on to talk about the Hillsborough disaster and the galvanizing effect it had on the community.

“I’m a big fan of football history between these two clubs.

“Both clubs showed character how they reacted to Hillsborough, and the way both clubs came together is the best story I've ever heard."