Klopp on Thiago’s critics: ‘I’m glad those people don’t make decisions’
Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp defended Thiago Alcantara in his press conference ahead of the derby against Everton. The Spanish international was criticised for slowing the game down.
Liverpool vs Everton: Line-ups
Liverpool
Everton
Liverpool Will Be Confident
#1
There was not even a glimpse of an FA Cup hangover in the Liverpool ranks as Klopp’s side remain in hot pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple, and the German boss will likely already be planning for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with giant killers Villarreal next week.
#2
Going in to the clash with the Yellow Submarine on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run would certainly be ideal, and Liverpool have found the back of the net twice in all of their fixtures so far this month – amassing a whopping 17 over their last six games.
#3
The 4-0 drubbing of Man United also marked the Merseyside giants’ 11th Premier League victory in a row at Anfield – during which time they have conceded a mere two goals – with the Reds statistically the best performers at home based on points, goals scored and goals conceded, so it is easy to see why many believe Sunday’s derby is already a foregone conclusion.
#4
The survival destiny of Frank Lampard’s side is therefore still in their own hands, but as the worst-performing side away from home in the Premier League this season – losing 10 of their last 11 top-flight games on the road – their chances of producing the shock of all shocks at Anfield are slim to none to say the least.
#5
Then again, Everton have recent experience when it comes to Anfield victories after posting a 2-0 win there last term, but Liverpool marched to a storming 4-1 success at Goodison Park earlier this season, and Klopp has insisted that he would miss the Premier League Merseyside derbies if the Toffees suffered their first-ever relegation from the competition next month.
DPP Verdict
Everton have certainly demonstrated more of a fighting spirit in recent matches, and the travelling crowd should be fired up to the maximum for Sunday’s derby, but that is unlikely to translate into the result that matters. On paper, the Premier League’s best home side taking on the division’s worst away team only spells one outcome, and we are not expecting any shocks to occur as the red half of Merseyside celebrates at the full-time whistle.
