Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has focused on preparing his side for the high-intensity challenge posed by Leeds as he gets ready for his first experience of a fan-filled Elland Road.
Both matches last season against Marcelo Bielsa’s side were tough encounters; the Reds prevailing in a thrilling 4-3 opening-day home victory against the Premier League newcomers before being held to a 1-1 draw in the run-in which looked to have dented their top-four hopes.
Klopp has been working on a plan to combat Leeds’ pressure game but with so little time to do so with the full squad because of the international break, he knows they may have to rely on their own quality to get a result.
“We had – with some players now – a week’s time to prepare for it and some only came back training on Thursday so we have two sessions where we can probably prepare for it,” Klopp told liverpoolfc.com.
“The game itself is already tricky. We saw in the last two games against them, my first time playing against Leeds, it was really exciting.
“They have a specific way of playing the game with strict man-marking idea defending, very flexible and very brave, very dynamic in possession.
Meticulous preparation for a unique tactical challenge 👊#LEELIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 10, 2021
“Against Leeds (it’s) high intense, they go for it. They are good in possession, I think, so far, second or third in possession.
“It’s a really good team and we have to be at our best to get something there.
“They don’t have the points yet they want to have but they for sure think they have a good chance against us. But they didn’t play us yet this season.
“We are hopefully good, as good as we can, and then we are difficult to play. When we are difficult to play, we have a chance to win – and that’s what we try.”
Liverpool are unbeaten in the last eight league meetings (five wins, three draws) but prior to last season they had not met in the top flight since 2004.
At Elland Road they are unbeaten in their last half-dozen trips in all competitions but home advantage could play a significant part as the ground hosts one of the ‘Big Six’ in front of a full crowd for the first time since their return to the Premier League.
“Everyone tells me the atmosphere must be really outstanding so I’m really looking forward to it,” added Klopp.
When you sing a song from the 80s and nobody has a clue what you’re singing #knowyouraudience #maybeitwashowisangit #singingintherain 🌧 pic.twitter.com/nZJ3wwHuMq
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) September 9, 2021
“I heard about it but cannot say a lot. We have to probably ask (former Leeds midfielder James Milner) Millie exactly how it is.
“Millie knows it from both perspectives; not sure, maybe not. Not sure if he played there with another Premier League team. Who knows? But he can tell us how it is and he will tell us.
“We are Liverpool and that means everybody expects us to win each game.”
