‘We’re not the Harlem Globetrotters!’: Jurgen Klopp insists having his best squad ever at Liverpool means nothing unless stars maintain hunger to win ‘with all they have’
- Liverpool take on Norwich after beating Inter Milan on Wednesday night
- Reds are looking to stay in touch with Manchester City in the title race
- Jurgen Klopp offered no update on Diogo Jota’s fitness but he will miss game
- German says this is his best squad but says quality is nothing without mentality
Jurgen Klopp insisted his side ‘are not the Harlem Globetrotters’ despite this being the most talented group he has every coached.
Liverpool are on a strong run of form and will look to back up their 2-0 win away at Inter Milan in the Champions League with victory over Norwich at Anfield.
Now most of his players are fit and available, Klopp understands the riches at his disposal but was on the verge of frustration when asked about it.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are preparing to take on Norwich after beating Inter Milan on Wednesday
The Reds have been on strong form recently and will look to continue that momentum
He recognises the talent he has but insisted that quality is nothing without the desperation to succeed, as demonstrated against Inter.
At his Friday press conference, the Liverpool boss said: ‘I really don’t like talking about it, Jota is out and we don’t know for how long, we know we have a good squad but in the end we have to deliver and have to fight.
‘The potential of the boys was not key at Inter, it was the mentality and the attitude. It is all about what you make of what is available. We don’t need to think about how good we can be, we are not the Harlem Globetrotters.
‘We need each one of them, not talking about it, I answer the question five million times but we’ve spoken about it for two months and now Jota is out.
‘It is a top squad, best I’ve had but it is so much more important to create the mood and state to win games. You have to want it with all you have.’
Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Luis Diaz are part of the most talented squad Klopp has had
Klopp is also delighted by how those left out of the first team have responded, especially against Inter when the substitutes changed the game.
He added: ‘Jordan Henderson was a perfect example and Naby Keita too with Luis Diaz and Bobby Firmino, that is what you need. You can’t have the best squad if the boys are not happy with the situation in the squad.’
Jota was brought off at half time against Inter and has injured ankle ligaments. It remains to be seen how long he will be out for but Klopp confirmed he will definitely miss the Norwich game.
He said: ”Jota will not be available but the extent of the damage is not clear. It is something with ligaments around the ankle, everything is possible at the moment.
‘It could be quick or the other way too. Pictures of him in the boot is just a normal procedure but he’s a no for the weekend.’
Klopp’s side are on an impressive run of form and looking to stay in the title race