Jurgen Klopp’s message to supporters as Liverpool appear Premier League favourites

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted his side are in good shape after Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

The Reds hammered Unai Emery’s side at Anfield following a hat-trick from Roberto Firmino and goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool remain the only unbeaten side in the league, sitting in first with 54 points out of a possible 60, their best ever start to a Premier League campaign.

With second-placed Tottenham Hotspur faltering to Wolves earlier on Saturday, the Reds now hold a nine point lead over the north London side.

They command a ten point advantage over Manchester City, who could narrow the gap to seven points with victory over Southampton on Sunday.

And speaking ahead of the Reds’ pivotal meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side on Thursday, manager Klopp had a message for Liverpool supporters.

“I don’t think I am famous for not being a positive person. From time to time, even I enjoy life,” he said.

“When we came in the season, the thing was if we can qualify for a third time for a Champions League spot then that would be brilliant.

“Now we have quite a distance between that, but do I feel that’s already done? No. Sorry, I cannot feel it!

“I’ve learned in sports like this that you think about the next step and not the next, next step. We don’t do that.

“The fans think we are in good shape and it would be crazy if they didn’t think we are not in a good moment, absolutely crazy.

“A few of them obviously have holiday at this time of year, so maybe New Year’s Eve will be a bit louder in Liverpool - hopefully not too loud because my dog doesn’t like it!

“But it might be bit louder. Enjoy it and do whatever you do, but be ready again on January 3. That’s all I am asking.”

There has been a sense of excitement at Anfield this season, with the Reds creating weekly headlines for their inspired, mature performances and new-found defensive stability.

The Reds have the most clean sheets this season and have conceded by far the fewest goals, a feature that is often attributed to Premier League champions.

However, Klopp insisted that despite expectations greatly rising amongst supporters and in the media, his side take no notice of the headlines that surround the club.

“It is a supporters and journalists’ game [talking about the points gap at the top] - and that’s absolutely OK, play it,” he said.

“But we cannot - we cannot be part of it, absolutely not.

“The only thing that can get annoying after a while is answering the same questions, so maybe you think a little bit about what you ask and not all the time the same! Then you will make my life easier!

“The other thing is, as long as we think about football then everything is fine. In the moment, it is a marathon that we are running, that we are part of.

“Before the marathon, the weather is brilliant, new trainers, new shirt, everything brilliant and the people say, ‘You will win today!’ But first you have to run.

“All the people around are really buzzing and one guy has to run. We are the guys and we have to run, so that’s what we try as good as possible.”