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

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended the form of Philippe Coutinho ahead of Sunday's showdown with Manchester City, a match for which Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi are both doubts. 

The German coach addressed the media on Friday ahead of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, a fixture that will be vital for both sides in their pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League. 

It's the type of game tailor-made for big players, and Coutinho has been that regularly for the Reds. As of late, he's been short of his best, though, and Klopp withdrew him from the clash with Burnley last weekend as the team chased a go-ahead goal.

Even so, the Liverpool manager is not worried about the Brazil international's form.

"His training week this week has been perfect," he said, per James Whaling of the Daily Mirror. "He looks well and confident. He's in a really good way."

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Klopp also provided some updates on team news, insisting that while Firmino has a chance of featuring, captain Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge will not be involved, per Carl Markham of the Press Association:

The German manager also revealed that forward Origi is a fresh doubt, as he felt unwell on Thursday:

Klopp spoke about Emre Can's contract situation, too. Speculation has gathered pace in recent weeks that the Germany international could be on his way out of the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of next season.

As relayed by Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo, the coach insisted there's nothing to be concerned about quite yet:

The Liverpool manager also discussed the kind of challenge that will be posed by City. While the loss to the Reds on New Year's Eve came during a testing time for Pep Guardiola’s side, they've recovered well and slowly cemented their spot among the top four.

Stylistically, Klopp feels City are the team in English football's top flight who are the most difficult to nullify:

Klopp also praised the work done by Guardiola since his arrival at City, insisting the Premier League is a difficult competition to adjust to.

"Coming here, it's the most difficult league in the world," he said, per Whaling. "It's really difficult to become champions in England. In other countries it is difficult, here a win is everything, in other countries if you played with other styles you would have an empty stadium. Everything is legal, the culture is different."

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

The Reds boss also spoke about Ben Woodburn's call-up to the Wales squad, insisting he was delighted to see the 17-year-old recognised. Klopp did hint that it may have come a little too soon for the youngster, though:

Liverpool's record against the elite sides in the Premier League has been very strong this season and as a result they will be confident on Sunday. After all, plenty of this Liverpool group were part of the squad that went to the Etihad Stadium and thumped City 4-1 last season.

With Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling all in fine form, the home side have enough quality to trouble the Reds, especially if they're unable to improve on last week's efforts against Burnley.

However, Liverpool have shown throughout Klopp's tenure that these massive matches bring out the best in them.