Jurgen Klopp has warned his Liverpool side to expect a much better performance from Tottenham Hotspur than their 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Newcastle United last weekend.
Spurs found themselves 5-0 down after just 20 minutes and, like the Reds, have endured a difficult campaign on the pitch where they have struggled for consistency. Yet they still sit fifth in the table, a point and two places above Liverpool and two points off the Champions League places.
Having dismissed both Antonio Conte and interim manager Cristian Stellini in recent weeks, Ryan Mason oversaw a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Thursday night as Tottenham recovered from 2-0 down at half-time to earn a share of the spoils. Admitted Spurs were unfortunate not to beat the Red Devils, Klopp warned he is preparing to face the best version of the North London outfit.
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"This is obviously a season where a lot of things were difficult for a lot of our teams," he told reporters. "We had our problems, Chelsea have their problems, Tottenham have their problems.
"It is not cool for us but it opens the door for other teams. All of a sudden it can look different. Champions League spots are there to grasp for other teams. Little mistakes during the season can cause massive problems and have a big impact.
"I don't know at all anything about Tottenham in that department, but when you saw last night the team they have is still absolutely exceptional. What they could do and why it didn’t work out, I have no idea.
"I will be prepared for the best possible Tottenham side. They were, for some years, by some distance the best counter-attacking team in Europe. There were moments when you lost the ball, they only had to find Harry Kane and the next moment Son was in a one v one situation with the goalie.
"No clue how to defend that properly, best way not to lose the ball. That's one thing. They have brought in good players, really good players. I expect them to be really good.
"Last night I watched the game and they showed second half what everyone in the stadium wanted to see and could have won the game. They had massive chances and that is the team we will prepare for."
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