Klopp's pre-match press conference vs Newcastle United:
On Rafa Benitez
QUOTE
“Hopefully he remembers that! (Mainz 5-0 LFC) The big success, we met meanwhile 10-15 times in different occasions and it was always really nice. He’s a very interesting person and we always had a good time.
“He’s still connected to the club, and wishes the club all the best - how it should be after his fantastic time here.
“Even in the summer we had talks. I know him better than most of the other PL managers. It’s nice, but no impact on the game!”
“I had the opportunity to watch their game against Brighton,” Klopp added.
“They are a good team, well organised and were unlucky with the goal.”
On Scoring goal
QUOTE
To make us more clinical? No. There is nothing i could say that would make us finalise all our situations.
But we have to keep on going. Again and again and again. Should I speak about the two headers Roberto and Salah had in Moscow and say ‘if you hit it like this instead...?’
We need to stay confident, and keep doing it. At the moment, our aim is to be better than average. It makes no sense to criticise finishing. It’s about creating and using the qualities of the boys.
It’s my responsibility, but I cannot shoot from the bench!
On Criticism
QUOTE
I’m not interested in criticism, only the opinion of the people.
If pundits/journalists criticise, that’s their job. If other teams are flying, should we give up and say ‘oh my god, I want to have a season ticket for Manchester Utd?’
I have no problem with criticism, only when people think we cannot sort our problems.
I want to let the people know, we have not lost our football ability overnight.
The Manchester clubs are two fantastic clubs with fantastic managers, I’m sorry to say this. Chelsea, Tottenham, oh my god, Arsenal are on a good way.
All we can do is make our way.
On Ancelloti's sacking
QUOTE
Not a lot of things in this business can surprise me any more, but I do not know what Bayern’s thoughts were on this decision.
I watched the game with PSG. Individual quality can decide games, and that was how it was.
But it was not one game that the Bayern bosses decided on. I think. It was a kind of development which the Bayern bosses didn't like too much. That's why they took the decision I think, but I have no clue actually.
It is not my business. Carlo is very experienced and hasn’t lost his football ability overnight. If he wants to find a club, he will.
On Christmas Eve match
QUOTE
Let me say this; if the supporters want to see a game on Christmas Eve, then the TV broadcaster will find a way.
Now I know it is possible, and if something not too cool around fixtures can happen, then Liverpool is involved!
I always said that the broadcaster has to consider that the wonderful thing they sell, depends on the players and the quality and freshness of them. If they have to play 24 Dec, then can we fight against it?
Sky, if they really want to bring the players, the supporters, the people who work for television into work on this night.
It’s no problem for the people to be concentrated on something else other than football on this important night.
Maybe we could play without media? Just one camera!
I really cannot imagine that anyone wants to watch football on that night, but I’m not so important!
On Coutinho
QUOTE
It’s just good to have him here. We don’t have to talk about how we handled each situation (in the summer), We are professionals and we take it as it is.
We had no idea how he would be after this injury. But he is in a really good shape now.
The team, the others, were really happy when he was back. There were no difficult discussions, we are professional footballers.
Being 100 per cent when the decisions are made, that is the only place to be
On Clyne/Lallana
QUOTE
“There are no concerns. We have a few knocks, we will see. I’ll know, finally, tomorrow probably,”
“Both [Clyne and Lallana] are doing really well, but they are not in team training.
“With Clyne it was not too sure, but he’s made good steps. For Adam it is completely normal, how we thought it would be.”
“[Lallana] has no problems any more, but we can’t rush in this.”