Liverpool vs. West Brom: Jurgen Klopp's Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he was baffled by claims his team were not the “last wonder of the world” from Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and has backed goalkeeper Loris Karius after his inconsistent form.

Klopp addressed the media on Thursday ahead of his side’s clash with West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

After the Reds drew with United 0-0 on Monday, Mourinho made the aforementioned suggestion, implying that the media have built the Merseyside club up a little too much following their strong start to the season, per BBC Sport.

When asked what Mourinho meant by this, Klopp was not only confused, but disinterested, per Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo:

The German also spoke about Karius, who has been installed as first-choice goalkeeper in place of Simon Mignolet.

Since coming into the side, the youngster has shown some moments of real quality in distribution, though he’s yet to be significantly tested in terms of shot-stopping. However, under the high ball, Karius has flapped at a few crosses and looked vulnerable.

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Despite these lingering concerns, Klopp reaffirmed his faith in the 23-year-old and suggested he’d begun his Reds career well:

In West Brom, it’s likely Liverpool will face extremely dogged opposition. Tony Pulis’ side may not be prolific going forward, but they are extremely determined in their defensive work and a big threat from set pieces.

Klopp isn’t sure the fans will be able to enjoy this match all the way through:

The manager elaborated on the challenge West Brom will pose at Anfield, per the Liverpool Twitter feed:

However, the Liverpool boss was also quick to emphasise that the onus is on his team to break through the assembled ranks of Baggies players:

In this fixture last season, the Reds snatched a late point in the 95th minute thanks to a deflected shot from Divock Origi. The drama prompted Klopp and his players to hold hands in front of the Kop end and salute the supporters.

At the time, it was a gesture that left plenty with raised eyebrows. However, the manager wouldn’t rule out something similar on Saturday:

A crucial spell of fixtures is on the horizon for Liverpool, as they look to continue their positive start to the season. On Tuesday night, they face Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, before visiting Crystal Palace in the Premier League the following weekend.

Even with these vital games to come, the boss insisted the team’s focus will not waiver from the test against West Brom at Anfield:

Klopp also spoke in detail about midfielder Adam Lallana, whose influence was missed in the early stages of the match with Manchester United.

Lallana is canny on the ball and relentless in his work rate, and the German noted that the England international has previous experience of being a leader on the field, too:

The Reds boss also confirmed that midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum was nearing a return, having missed the match with the Red Devils on Monday:

West Brom are capable of going to a superior opponent, sapping the life out of the match and nicking a goal themselves; they’ve done well at Anfield in the past, winning twice and drawing once in their last five visits to the stadium.

However, during that stint, it’s unlikely they’ll have faced a Liverpool team that possesses so much variety in attack and intensity off the ball. So while the Baggies will sit deep, shut off spaces and play direct football, the Reds have enough to smother the visitors, force an error and get back to winning ways.