Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called on striker Daniel Sturridge to be "flexible" in his forward play ahead of the Reds’ clash with Chelsea on Friday evening.

The German coach addressed the press on Wednesday and spoke about the influence of Sturridge, who didn’t net against Leicester City in the 4-1 win on Saturday. The German noted the understated impact the striker had leading the line and the need to be versatile, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp also had high praise for his opposite number at Stamford Bridge, Antonio Conte, who enjoyed great success as a player and manager with Juventus. The German compared the influence of the Italian to that of Pep Guardiola, who enjoyed prosperous spells on and off the pitch with Barcelona:

Indeed, Conte steered Juventus to three league titles in succession during his time as a manager, developing a reputation as one of the finest coaches in the world.

Klopp belongs in that category along with the Blues boss and Guardiola, now of Manchester City. However, the latter is nowhere near as animated as the former duo on the touchline. The Liverpool boss played down the importance of these antics when asked, though.

"I don’t know why Antonio does it," Klopp said, per Jack Rathborn of the Daily Mirror. "He looks quite emotional, even when they don’t score. I watched the game, whoever was the broadcaster, they showed when they missed the goal. He’s involved in the game. That’s not the important thing, he’s a successful manager."

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Going to Stamford Bridge will be a big challenge for Klopp and his side, especially with an in-form Diego Costa to deal with.

The Spain international has netted four goals in as many Premier League games this season, although he’s far from popular with the neutrals given the skulduggery  he indulges in. Klopp, however, spoke of his admiration for the striker, per This is Anfield:

Costa isn’t the only player from the Chelsea squad whom Klopp admires, as he discussed the strength in depth available to Conte:

"I think it’s an interesting and impressive career," he added of Luiz. "Somebody could write a book about it. I spoke too much about the qualities of the Chelsea players."

Of course, there’s quality at his disposal, too. Liverpool have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign and swatted aside the champions Leicester City 4-1 on Saturday, turning in a wonderful attacking performance.

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In recent contests, Adam Lallana has become an important part of the Reds' varied and incisive attacking football. As noted by Rathborn, Klopp confirmed he lives in close proximity to the England international and has been impressed with his recent showings:

In terms of personnel, Klopp stated that Dejan Lovren is likely to be fit for the game, although Emre Can is still not ready. He also expressed his excitement at playing on a Friday night:

This fixture continues the tough trend to Liverpool’s beginning to the season, with the top three from last season’s Premier League all played already. However, given the manner in which Chelsea have started life under Antonio Conte, this clash, on paper at least, will pose Klopp’s men with their biggest test so far.

Matches between these two sides have an edge to them, with the rivalry gathering pace in recent seasons. Should Liverpool emerge from this one victorious, not only will it be a major boost for supporters, but plenty will start considering this side as potential dark horses for the Premier League title.