Klopp: I have a plan for Liverpool, I'm not trying to 'kill the players'
Jurgen Klopp admitted he was pleased with Liverpool’s work-rate against Tottenham but insists he expects his players to offer more than simply a high pressing game.
The German’s first match in charge of the Reds saw the club earn a credible 0-0 draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, with Liverpool getting plenty of plaudits for out-running their opponents – the first team to do so this season.
Jamie Carragher spoke out after the game to say he was impressed with the way had imposed his style on Liverpool, but Klopp insists there was still plenty of room for improvement – and working hard was the minimum he expects of his players.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s game against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League, Klopp said: “The Tottenham game was not perfect, but it was a step in the right direction. “We are happy after this game.
“The biggest misunderstanding in my life is people asking me if it’s possible to play like this [pressing].
“But this is just the start. You don’t have to run 150km, you just have to be prepared to.
“If you are not ready to run more than they do, then you’re crazy.
“[This tactic – pressing high up the field] It’s the biggest misunderstanding in my life. People always ask me if it’s possible to play this style of football. They asked me it at Dortmund and Mainz every week.
“You don’t have to play like this for 90 minutes. It’s not always wild, it’s only the start. If you watched Bayern v Arsenal, Bayern had 70 percent possession and lost 2-0. Arsenal were defensive and won the game.
“We have to have a plan. We have to be prepared, of course we need healthy players but we don’t kill the players. They are young, healthy professionals.”
