Southampton vs. Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Quotes

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sympathised with under-fire Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney on Thursday, insisting icons of the game "drank like devils" in the past.

Klopp was speaking to the media ahead of his team’s trip to Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday and was asked about the Red Devils man; Rooney apologised for what he described as "inappropriate" images that captured him partying at a wedding at the England team’s hotel.

The Liverpool boss was asked about the striker’s apology and played down the significance of the incident at a press conference:

"

He’s apologised for having a glass of whatever? I really feel for the players. There’s a human being behind the kid.

This generation is the most professional generation of footballers we have ever had.

The legends drank like devils and were still good players.

I’m pretty sure what Wayne did wasn’t so serious.

That’s the life we live, under a [magnifying] glass and in one or two weeks no one will remember this.

"

Another pertinent story over the international break involved Liverpool star man Philippe Coutinho, with Sport (h/t Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo) suggesting that the Brazilian is a Barcelona target.

Naturally, Klopp was asked about the prospect of a move for the former Inter Milan man, who has been in dazzling form so far this season. The Reds boss insisted Coutinho can continue to blossom at Anfield, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

With Liverpool heading into Saturday’s clash with Southampton as the Premier League leaders, there was also plenty of discussion about the team as a whole, too.

The Reds were sensational in their last outing, smashing Watford 6-1 to scale the summit. And Klopp warned the Saints they’re in for a difficult afternoon:

For many of Liverpool’s players, St Mary’s Stadium is a familiar venue. Indeed, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane all made the switch from the south coast to Merseyside, and all the aforementioned players are a key part of Klopp’s vision.

The Liverpool chief was quick to praise the sterling work being done at the club, although he was adamant there will be no room for sentiment when the two sides take to the field on Saturday afternoon:

Klopp also revealed he’s unsure whether Lallana will feature in this one after picking up a problem while away with the England team. "We haven’t done a scan until now," the manager said. "It will be close. Hopefully not too serious."

With Lallana potentially out of action, a place could open up in the starting XI for Daniel Sturridge. Despite Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror being among those linking the England man with a move away from the club, Klopp said he looked happy to be back with the Reds:

Additionally, Klopp also provided an update on the statuses of Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, who were part of the Brazil squad during the recent international break:

The match will be a big test for Klopp and his players. While the brand of football played at Anfield has been revered, as the league leaders, there will be an increased expectation on Liverpool when they take to the field on the south coast. It’s going to be fascinating to see how the Reds cope with that challenge.

Following on from an international break that’s seen plenty of the Liverpool squad involved in intense games, scoring goals, travelling long distances and picking up knocks, Klopp will be aware that this is the type of match in which title contenders, and potential winners, somehow find a way to get by.