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

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is seeking an immediate return to winning ways when his side host Sunderland on Saturday, but talk of Steven Gerrard's retirement was the main topic in Thursday's pre-match press conference.

Speaking to the media at Melwood on Thursday ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against the Black Cats, Klopp hinted that the Anfield legend could return to the club after hanging up his boots, per the Liverpool Echo's Joe Rimmer:

"

One day in the future there will be something to announce, I’m pretty sure

[...]

Steven Gerrard, 186 goals, the first thing what you should all learn is if somebody wants to help Steven Gerrard then stop being so excited about the next step. In life you need space to jump into the next thing that is new.

He was a young player and now he will be a young whatever. I’m the wrong person to talk about it.

The door is always open. If he wants, I’m sure he will, and if he wants to make whatever career then we want to help him.

"

However, the Reds chief was eager to note that Gerrard's potential Liverpool comeback wasn't of immediate concern and said Thursday's presser was "not the room to speak about this," per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.

This Is Anfield provided video footage of Thursday's press conference:

The German is also anticipating a fierce schedule as he prepares for his second winter in English football, touching on several squad issues he's had following Saturday's 0-0 draw against Southampton:

"

I didn’t have the feeling that we suffered during the international breaks. It’s not perfect but it’s the same for every team. We had a few players they couldn’t train properly this week, so you always have some problems.

We had no time to waste in the first few weeks of the season, now it’s becoming more and more intense.

But that’s the situation and I don’t think too much about it.

"

Klopp has utilised an ever-changing lineup in charge of the Merseysiders, and a busy summer has only helped expand his options, although the tactician was unaware of just how varied his teamsheets have been:

Sunderland might have looked like simple opposition three weeks ago, and although the north-east outfit are still 19th in the English top flight, wins over Bournemouth and Hull City have rejuvenated their campaign.

Klopp even went so far as to suggest Saturday's visitors will be favourites for the fixture after the Reds' disappointing result last time out in the Premier League, per Pearce, having dropped two points in their trip to St Mary's Stadium:

Jermain Defoe makes his way to Anfield in hot form after netting in each of Sunderland's last three matches, and Klopp described the English hitman as a "good striker, experienced" and "still really quick."

Liverpool's official Twitter account also provided quotes from the team chief, who voiced his intention to make a statement against Saturday's visitors:

Despite losing their place atop the Premier League perch, Liverpool's performance against Southampton last Saturday nonetheless pleased their boss in some regard, and Klopp added:

"

I was really happy with the attitude and a lot of parts of the performance. The point helped, the performance helped and a game at Southampton is not one where you create 20 chances. Southampton are not a parking bus team, they are a team we forced to defend deeper. We have everything we need to be prepared.

"

Black Cats manager David Moyes will know Anfield well from his days as Everton manager, having experienced many a Merseyside derby, although this will be his first at the Sunderland helm.

Liverpool may believe they can wrest the Premier League summit away from Chelsea once again as they head into Week 13, but defeating a spirited Sunderland side will be no mean feat as they search for a seventh win in 10 league outings.