Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Jurgen Klopp's Key Pre-Match Presser Comments

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum are all fitness concerns for the Reds' clash with Manchester United on Monday. 

According to Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo (h/t the Daily Mirror), the German spoke of the issues surrounding the international break:

"

Of course it’s a big impact. A lot of things can happen. I’ve made no decision until now. They did what they had to do.

Roberto could have made a little bit more in the last session, Phil played nearly two complete games and had a long flight. It’s a long trip, right?

Each day, each hour helps. 

"

He gave the latest on several other players, per Goal's Melissa Reddy:

The German is pleased the game is taking place on Monday, though, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp was less enthused by the fixture list in the Christmas period, however, specifically taking on Sunderland on January 2 after playing their sixth fixture in December on New Year's Eve. Per Walsh, he said:

"

I got the information because it is how it is. I thought: Who had this idea?

Our job is to do everything we can to work games. I would never say Boxing Day is not a good idea because I love it.

Now having a match day with two days between [Manchester City and Sunderland], I don’t know why we play on Monday. Is it special, a day off in school?

"

He also took aim at football coach Raymond Verheijen:

The Reds boss is relishing the prospect of facing bitter rivals United on Monday and called for the fans to show their support of the team:

"

Very intense game, two good sides. The situations are not that different - it’s three points. They have big quality and we have to respect this, as we do.

But this is Anfield. We have to show this. We have had a few nice atmospheres but I’m open for the best atmosphere.

We need everybody in a Liverpool shirt in this game.

"

He added:

"

The more interest, the more difficult it is, but the more excited everybody is.

It will never, ever, be a normal game.

We should use this opportunity on the pitch, all the nice stories are written on the pitch, in the stadium, with big respect because that’s what it stands for.

You face the biggest opponents and play football against them, that’s the kind of battle we have. We need to create a special atmosphere, in and around, in your living room!

"

Liverpool come into this game having won their last four matches, and they've already beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and champions Leicester City this season.

United have stumbled of late, winning just one of their last four.

Provided their attacking players are able to play, the Reds will likely have too much for their rivals—they'll push forward with pace and numbers on their side, and they've been prolific in netting 18 times already this season so it's likely they'll take their chances, too.

Both sides remain a work in progress, and the Red Devils undoubtedly have the quality to grind out a result, but Liverpool are much further along in their development and can show as much with a win on Monday.