Klopp full of praise for Silva and his Everton squad

Everton take on Liverpool on Sunday in the 232nd Merseyside Derby, and both managers have been addressing their respective pre-match press conferences today. Over at Melwood

Jurgen Klopp appeared quite ticked off whenever he was asked about the weaknesses in his squad, especially around the midfield and club captain Jordan Henderson who will miss the game after being sent off last weekend.

First though, his comments on the derby itself -

“We didn’t need a defeat in Paris to get us motivated for Everton. It’s a special game. It’s always felt different, always was different in the preparation. In an ideal week we’d have a week to build up.

“It’s the special game. Since I’ve been in it has always felt different. The only bad thing is that we never had enough time to prepare it. The game have always been difficult. Everton are a different team now, different style.

“When you sign a contract for Liverpool you know 100% your responsibility for these games. Nobody needs to tell you, you know it. Players want to be part of it before they join.

“Analyse Everton and then tell me it will be an easy game. It will be a proper fight but we expect that in the derby. That’s how derbies should be.

“It’s 4.15, a good time, nearly dark, dark already yeah? Perfect! Let’s go out and fight for each other. That’s the plan.”

Klopp also added that he’s impressed by what he’s seen of the Toffees so far -

“The improvement of Everton is obvious. Completely different team, different style, it’s good.

“Silva has the best Everton squad [I have faced]. He brought in Richarlison, what a player he is. It’s the best-tuned squad, 100%. Good organisation, speed, Seamus Coleman back and fit, Michael Keane settled, Yerry Mina brilliant player, Lucas Digne like a young Leighton Baines. Eng’s No.1 (Jordan Pickford). Really good team, in any other league they would be a European team.”

The Blues stonewalled their hosts last season in this corresponding fixture, going down early and conceding possession 79% to 21% under Sam Allardyce, but grabbed a late penalty to tie the game 1-1. Evidently the draw still rankles for Klopp -

“I couldn’t even tell you how we got on against Everton at home last season, it’s not important. We just have to make sure we are ready for this one and create an atmosphere which is exceptional to help the team. The boys deserve it 100%.”

This is about when the presser started to go off the rails as the impassioned Klopp started to get unhinged when asked about his midfield, which has easily been the Reds weakest link this season.

“We concede 5 goals [in the league this season] and you talk about how our midfield is overrun? I don’t see that. I don’t see any problems in midfield.

“Jordan is not available. What should I do? Ask the FA? I really do not understand a lot of your questions today . Yes, my players are ready but they have to prove it on Sunday.”

Ohh-kay then.