Saturday 14 January 2017 07:46, UK
Jurgen Klopp admits Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is a "top-level" manager and says the pair share an angry streak.
Klopp takes his Liverpool side to Manchester, live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday, knowing a win at Old Trafford would help his side to extend the gap over their rivals to eight points.
And despite going three matches without a win, the German insists Liverpool will be competitive against a United side who head into Nissan Super Sunday on a run of six straight league victories.
"He [Jose] was always [competitive] and he is top level," Klopp said.
"That's not new and we shouldn’t be surprised. We have the same kind of [anger] in us but we want to go there and get a result, no other reason.
“Last year, I had the first time to play at Old Trafford. It was intense with a great atmosphere. We were ready for the game and we will be ready again.
"I don’t think that Jose or myself wanting to win can make the difference.
“Of course, we are excited about the opportunity to go there and play our best. Both teams are on a good run long term, and United have less injury problems.
“I don’t have to [make the players aware of the game’s importance]. Attitude and motivation is very, very important. Being brave and ready for the special things is needed.
“There is no time to look for excuses when it is the wrong pass. These players know about they need to be responsible. The players have to perform, that’s how it always is.
“You can feel good before the game. We realise before the game that we are Liverpool and we need to show this. Everyone who wants to see a real fight in this game, then yes, watch it. It will be 100 per cent from our side.”
Philippe Coutinho made his comeback after almost seven weeks out in the midweek Capital One Cup semi-final first leg loss to Southampton but Jordan Henderson was absent for the third game in succession due to a heel injury.
"They bring quality,” Klopp admitted.
“Without Phil, you miss his creativity, finishing. He is very important. It’s the same as Hendo but when they aren’t available you don’t think too much about it.
“We had to find a solution [in recent weeks] and I think we have done that well. It's good they are back, if they are back [for the weekend]."
Klopp confirmed that Henderson, Coutinho and defender Joel Matip - who has also been out in recent weeks due to ankle injury - all trained on Thursday, adding: "We have to wait for the reaction and then make a line up."
Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed October’s goalless draw between the two sides at Anfield but Klopp admits is well aware of the Armenian's qualities having coached him at Borussia Dortmund.
"They are better and more used to each other. Henrikh Mkhitayran is there, I am not sure if he was fit or just out of the squad when they came here." The Liverpool boss said.
"Mkhitaryan combines skills at the highest tempo - good finisher, good attitude, good worker, can play different positions and he is a world-class player, no doubt.
"I hear when I talk to different people that because of our last game it is ‘oh my god, it is Manchester United next’ and all that stuff.
"But give me 11 players and we will be competitive!"
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