Klopp excited to meet Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal

Today, Liverpool marched to Man City's Etihad Stadium to play round 29, starting the sprint in the Premier League. After that, Klopp's teachers and students turned to Chelsea guests in the round of 8 match on April 4 and then returned to Anfield to host Arsenal in the round of 30 on April 9. These are important matches with Champions League ambitions next season as Liverpool are currently sixth with 42 points, seven points behind fourth-place Tottenham and two games less.

Klopp compared the next three matches against Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal like "Champions League week" with the ability to fight a great opponent of England in case of going deep in the tournament. "These things are possible and have happened in the past. And right now I'm super excited," he added. "Every season we see Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, but in a row for a week it's special."

The German coach said that Liverpool showed "world-class" when defeating Man Utd 7-0, but suddenly fell in the next two matches, losing to Bournemouth in the English Premier League and Real in the second leg of the 1/8 Champions League round with the same score 0-1. Therefore, Klopp considers a two-week break to focus on the team as necessary to re-energize, and expects Liverpool to be in top form when they return.

Liverpool and Man City have dominated the Premier League for the past few years, but this season saw a two-horse race between Arsenal and Man City, with Klopp's men soon running out of breath. The German coach emphasized that the match against Man City is still "very important" even though there is no longer a chance to race for the championship and is confident that he will overcome difficulties to finish in the top 4. He added: "Liverpool always finish the season strong. Last year, the team played to the end in all four competitions. This season, Liverpool were eliminated early and it was clear that finishing in the top four is the only thing we can achieve. Liverpool are not in a perfect position, but can win tickets to the Champions League."

Erling Haaland - who scored 42 goals in 37 games for Man City - has a groin injury and may not play today. However, Klopp said the Norwegian striker's ability to play did not affect Liverpool's preparation much. The 55-year-old coach explained: "When you prepare for the game, you prepare to stop the opponent from making the decisive pass, where Haaland is really involved in the game. Haaland was the center forward, but they won the game without a hitch. There's no need for that type of player. You don't know which Man City player can play or not."

Klopp also confirmed Darwin Nunez is ready to play, Thiago Alcantara is definitely absent. Meanwhile, Luis Diaz - the winger has a knee injury and has not played since October 2022 - can only return from the match against Arsenal at the earliest.