Newcastle vs. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp Discusses Emre Can and More in Presser

Liverpool travel to face Newcastle United on Sunday seeking their fifth successive win, and manager Jurgen Klopp will feel confident of taking three points from a side with just two wins in their last 10 outings.

One Red who won't play any part in Sunday's result is suspended Emre Can, and Klopp talked about his German compatriot on Friday, per Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo:

"

Emre is like the whole team, he is in a good way. 

The big difference is he’s very young. He’s 21, but he doesn’t look like it! Sometimes in his game he looks 18, that’s the truth! 

He speaks the same language as me, so I can talk more to him. That’s a problem for him!

He’s a pretty good player and I like working with him. He’s not available Sunday, but it should not be the biggest problem. We have other quality players. 

Emre, like every young player with big talent, they have to learn. 

"

Can played much of last season under Brendan Rodgers in defence, but Klopp insisted while his size and strength allows him to play there, "even Brendan thought his best position was centre midfield."

Getting a fully fit squad together and fielding players in their favoured positions should be a big priority for Klopp, and striker Daniel Sturridge is one of those to have missed a lot of 2015 through injury.

Speaking on the Englishman's return to fitness, the manager said: "Obviously he did well in the last game. The plan before the game was to give him 55-60 minutes. Good for him and good for us! Of course, he felt each muscle after the game. That’s normal. But in this moment he is available for the weekend."

Reds fans will be hoping Sturridge can follow up his two goals in the 6-1 Capital One Cup win over Southampton with another big haul against 19th-placed Newcastle, a golden opportunity to regain some confidence.

Club captain Jordan Henderson is looking to make his first start for the club since August on Sunday, and while James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo confirmed Philippe Coutinho would miss out, Klopp is glad to have his skipper back:

Liverpool have made great strides under Klopp, claiming big wins over Manchester City, Chelsea and the Saints in recent weeks, while the Magpies look like easy prey near the bottom of the Premier League.

It would be easy for the Merseysiders to grow complacent under the guidance of their now-thriving tactician, who painted an elaborate picture of how confidence and cockiness are two very separate frames of mind:

"

I have never had a problem with too much confidence! 

We expect to win the game. We always do. But we have the same thinking. It doesn’t mean we don’t have respect (for Newcastle). 

To be prepared for a game, you have to know as much as you can about the situation. Everything is motivation.

Confidence is like a small flower. If you have it, somebody can kick it in the game and you don’t have it. And if you don’t have it, you can get it back easily.

"

However, Klopp isn't taking Steve McClaren's side lightly and insists that while he's not an expert on the north-east outfit, he's aware of the underfire Newcastle manager's credentials and understands the need for stability at a club.

Per Jones, the Liverpool manager said:

"

I had seven years at Dortmund, seven years at Mainz. So in my opinion it (stability) is very important! But it can work in different ways.

I don't know about the history of Newcastle, but I know Steve McClaren, and his quality and his experience. We have to be aware.

"

The former Dortmund coach added his glee regarding the competition for places at Anfield, per Pearce, saying he "hopes it stays like this," as it means he has options available.

Given Liverpool's injury woes in recent months, one can hardly blame Klopp for seeking depth above all else, a tactic that he hopes will put his side in good stead for a win at St. James' Park.