Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Eddie Howe and Newcastle United and insists their 'exceptional' season so far is not down to their transfer spending. The Magpies host Liverpool on Saturday evening, with the Reds hoping to close the nine-point gap to the top four.
Klopp's side remain the only team to defeat Newcastle in a top-flight fixture this season, with Fabio Carvalho's controversial injury-time winner sealing a 2-1 victory at Anfield in August. However, the Magpies have drawn five of their last six league matches and last earned all three points more than a month ago with a dramatic late win over Fulham.
Klopp has previously sparked debate with comments made about Newcastle's resources and spending, comparing them earlier this season to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain by having 'no ceiling'. However, the Reds boss is adamant United's investment in the region of £250 million so far does not explain their current success.
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He told the Liverpool Echo: "Eddie is doing an absolutely exceptional job. The financial possibilities they will have in the future are exceptional but it [their success] is not because of that. They built on the team they had.
"The only difference between the way us and Newcastle have done business so far is where the money has come from. You have to do it step by step."
Liverpool are languishing in ninth spot following a miserable campaign to date, but arrive at St James' Park on the back of a morale-boosting derby victory over Everton. Virgil van Dijk is also in contention to start following an injury layoff, and Klopp could not hide the significance of the upcoming televised encounter.
He added: "Massive game. We have to chase everybody. We have to give it a try and that's what we do. Newcastle, best defence in the league. Lost once and that was against us. Very consistent. First step for success. It will be interesting."
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