Jurgen Klopp unfazed by Liverpool's poor record against Crystal Palace
Saturday 7 November 2015 16:03, UK
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Crystal Palace's recent good record against the Reds will count for nothing when the sides meet at Anfield on Sunday.
Palace proved to be something of a bogey side for Klopp's predecessor Brendan Rodgers, as they dented Liverpool's title charge during the 2013/14 season with a 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park in the penultimate game of the campaign, before doing the league double over them last season.
The 3-1 win at Anfield in Steven Gerrard's last home appearance was particularly tough to take for Liverpool supporters, but Klopp has the benefit of being new to the fixture as he looks to extend his unbeaten start as manager.
"It's good to be new," Klopp said. "Somebody told me about the special history with Crystal Palace but I feel nothing when I hear it.
"It's only football. In life, like sport, you can lose big but have to react in the right way...strike back, whatever.
"If we can use this experience then we should do it but nobody has to be afraid because of this opponent, it's not impossible to have a result against Crystal Palace.
"We have a good chance to win, that's what we will start to believe. Let's do it."
Klopp's preparation time has been affected by the Europa League trip to Russia to face Rubin Kazan, with Liverpool winning 1-0 thanks to Jordon Ibe's first goal for the club as they extended their winning streak to three matches.
Despite having not returned to Merseyside until 4am on Friday, Klopp is not looking to make excuses and says his players will be well prepared for the game against Palace.
"The good thing is everybody wants to play the next game. We all feel good, we all want to play, want to train," he added.
"It's a challenge of course, but we have pre-match and post-match analysts who work pretty well. We always feel prepared for the next opponent.
"We cannot train so much but we can work as long as we want. We have long meetings.
"We know everything we have to know about Crystal Palace."
