Derby vs. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's Pre-Match Presser Quotes for EFL Cup Match

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Roberto Firmino is back in training ahead of Tuesday's trip to Derby County in the EFL Cup but Mamadou Sakho "is still working on his fitness," and the boss also revealed himself to be a keen follower of the Championship.

According to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo and Goal's Melissa Reddy, the German gave the latest on the Brazilian star:

The 24-year-old has been among Liverpool's best players this season and bagged a brace in the 4-1 defeat of Leicester City, but he was absent for Friday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

Sakho's fitness was also brought up, with the Frenchman yet to feature this season:

Though it appears the defender may have to wait to play, Klopp assured he would not be complacent in his team selection at the iPro Stadium:

After finishing as runner-up to Manchester City last year in the League Cup, the 49-year-old has set his sights on going one step further this time around, according to Pearce and Reddy:

Further, Derby's Championship status has had little impact on the German's preparations for the match, and he also reflected on the state of the English second tier, per BBC Merseyside Sport:

Indeed, he is well-versed on the Championship:

His knowledge of the division should come in handy against the Rams as Liverpool seek to avoid an upset. Derby have struggled thus far, accruing just six points from their first eight games.

In the last round of the cup, Liverpool demolished Burton Albion 5-0. Daniel Sturridge scored twice but was deployed wide on the right rather than in his natural centre-forward position—a role he's less than enthused to play—while James Milner has frequently been used at left-back this season.

Nevertheless, Klopp defended the decision to move players around:

Last, Klopp reflected on the Reds' improvement after seeing them comprehensively beat champions Leicester and then come away from Stamford Bridge with three points in their last two matches:

Liverpool have had issues with consistency throughout the German's tenure as boss, and their performances earlier in the season against Arsenal and Burnley demonstrated as much.

Two largely impressive wins has changed their outlook somewhat, and it's clear that when on form, the Reds are a potent force.

The key now is to see them build on that momentum with a consistent run of positive performances and results. The Premier League matters more in that regard, but it should start with a comfortable win over Derby on Tuesday.