Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's draw at Southampton helped manage expectations
Friday 25 November 2016 16:16, UK
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes last weekend's draw at Southampton has helped manage expectations for his side.
The Reds, who had comfortably beaten Crystal Palace and Watford in their two previous league games, lost their grip on top spot in the Premier League after being held to a goalless draw at St Mary's.
That result ended a run of four straight victories for Liverpool and Klopp believes the stalemate has helped to keep his squad grounded after their impressive start to the campaign.
"The Southampton game was really important for us, the result was not too nice, but the games before looked a little bit like we were in the flow and it was easy," Klopp said.
"Then we had this day when we didn't score early - didn't score at all - but we stayed in the game and we are ready for the work we have to do.
"Not at the 12th match (can you) have expectations about the games because we are in a good position.
"If someone was disappointed after the game that we were not first in the table any more it is really crazy. If you want to keep this position or make it better you have to improve 100 per cent and there is a lot of space for us.
"If I had any doubt about the attitude of the players it (the Southampton result) would have helped because with 80 per cent concentration you get nowhere in the Premier League.
"But it wasn't about attitude so I was really happy with the attitude and a lot of parts of the performance."
Liverpool return to action on Saturday against a Sunderland side who have enjoyed an upturn in form in recent weeks, with wins over relegation rivals Bournemouth and Hull City.
Sunderland manager David Moyes has not won any of his last 13 visits to Anfield, but Klopp insists the result is by no means a foregone conclusion.
"It's like the points are already on the counter and we couldn't be further away from having the points already," Klopp added.
"We will not underestimate them, 100 per cent not. If one person in the stadium underestimates them it would be the first mistake we could make."
"They (Sunderland) have not the highest amount of possession so that shows they are a counter-attacking team. But they don't only make counter-attacks, they have other strengths too with set-pieces.
"The funny thing is that after the draw (last weekend) it started again with the 'parking the bus' team thing but Southampton are not a 'parking the bus team'.
"It was a team which we forced to defend deeper and that can happen against any team.
"So I am excited about having the chance again to show we are still there and still in good shape and use this opportunity to fight for the result."
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