Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool can “bin our analysis” of Sheffield United following Chris Wilder’s re-appointment at Bramall Lane.
Wilder was today handed the reins of the Blades for a second time after Paul Heckingbottom was sacked in the wake of Saturday’s 5-0 defeat at Burnley.
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It means the work Liverpool have done this week on their opponents has gone out of the window although Klopp is eager for his team to think about their own gameplan.
He said: “I remember Sheffield United under Chris Wilder, the overlapping full-backs, the under-lapping full-backs…
“We can bin our analysis. We have to focus on ourselves. I don’t think he will change too much. What can he change in that short period?
“We can play different ways. As much as I am happy for Chris that he’s back in a job, if he thinks about us, he must think ‘oh my God, they come from everywhere.”
Klopp is expecting a white hot atmosphere in South Yorkshire with the home support likely to be galvanised by Wilder’s return.
“There will be a lot of passion with Chris in the dug-out,” added Klopp. “There will be a great reception for him.
“The only way you can calm the atmosphere down is with the football, otherwise it’s coming from everywhere. So we have to play a good game.
“They will really be going for it, I am 100 per cent sure, and so will we. The better we play the more difficult it will be for Sheffield.”
Unlike Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who declared today his side were “going to win the league,” Klopp insists he is not focused on long-term goals at this stage.
“Our late winner [against Fulham on Sunday] was very important, that’s true but it’s got nothing to do with the title,” he said.
“I don’t think for a second about where we could end up. We have to be where we are now in April. If we are, then we can talk, but I don’t have a clue where we will be in April.
“There’s no chance to think past the next game so we think about Sheffield United, play the best possible game and keep going.”
Joel Matip will not play tomorrow after sustaining a knee injury in the second half against Fulham will Klopp admitting it “doesn’t look good”.
