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

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has challenged his side to overcome “bus parking” ahead of the visit of Hull City on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds have enjoyed a fine start to the season, beating the likes of Chelsea, champions Leicester City and Arsenal in their first five games. However, they’ve tended to struggle to break down supposed less illustrious teams since the German coach took over.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Klopp discussed what his team need to do in order to overcome this issue, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Additionally, Klopp suggested the attitude of the players is not to blame for this perennial problem, and they seek to treat every opponent—regardless of their quality—with the same level of respect:

While all eyes will be on the attacking section of the team as they seek to break down a determined Hull defence, it’ll be fascinating to see whether Klopp opts for Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius between the sticks when the Tigers come to town.

Karius joined the Reds in the summer, and after suffering a hand injury, he is back at full fitness and played against Derby County in midweek.

When asked whether the German would keep his place at the expense of Mignolet, Klopp was noncommittal, per Jack Rathborn of the Daily Mirror:

"

It’s not a place to announce line-ups. We have to think about it in a very positive way.

I was not a goalkeeper, my father was one, so I have a bit of experience. It’s different to changing a midfielder. Nobody asks then. I know about this.

It’s a decision when I will do it. I’m not sure I will do it in the next game, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do it in the next five years.

I’m really happy with both of them. Nothing to say about this here.

"

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

There are also some big decisions to make in the attacking portion of the pitch, with the quintet of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Daniel Sturridge battling for four spots in the XI.

“It’s not a problem,” Klopp said, per Rathborn. “If the expectation is that every player has to be happy every day, then I know I can’t do it. … It’s a luxury. All good.”

It’ll only be the second home game of the season for the Reds, with Anfield’s Main Stand refurbishment meaning four of their five matches so far have been on the road.

Their only other home match, a 4-1 win over Leicester, saw a stellar atmosphere that the fans conjured before the game and during it, as the Reds ran riot. Klopp has encouraged all tied to the club to keep that momentum going:

There have been small injury doubts over Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum, although Klopp confirmed both will be ready for the game. On Sturridge, the manager revealed he only returned to training on Thursday after a knock against Chelsea, although he should be fit in time, per Pearce.

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Speaking of Hull, who have enjoyed a decent start to the season under caretaker manager Mike Phelan despite a turbulent summer, Klopp insisted they are well capable of holding their own in the Premier League:

For a lot of Liverpool supporters, there’ll be more nervousness heading into this game than there was against the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal. The Reds have developed a reputation for struggling against sides who seek to defend as a priority, and Anfield will be expecting the team to put this narrative to bed with a comprehensive performance.

Hull have had a solid start to the campaign, although there were small signs against Arsenal in their last league outing, a 4-1 loss, that their momentum has seeped away a little.

It’s a game Liverpool need to be taking three points from if they’re to challenge for the top spots in the division come the end of the season.