Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp spoke to the media ahead of his side's massive clash away to Manchester City on Saturday, November 25th at 12:30 PM (UK time).
It's a battle between first and second in the Premier League as a win for the Reds at the Etihad Stadium will see them leapfrog their rivals into the top spot.
Klopp branded Pep Guardiola's side the “strongest team in the world for the last few years” as he revealed what his side has to do to get a result on Saturday afternoon.
“If we make it uncomfortable we have a chance,” Klopp said. “If they are comfortable in their game, no team has a chance. It feels like we are a bit closer [this season] but we need to win decisive battles on the pitch.”
Klopp will have his South American contingent available to play following the recent international break where Darwin Núñez shone for Uruguay as he's currently the top scorer in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with five goals.
The 24-year-old has struck up a fruitful partnership with Mohamed Salah on the pitch as all seven of Nùñez's assists for Liverpool have been scored by the Egyptian.
Klopp spoke on the pair's partnership as he said: “You can't become a Liverpool player if you're not football-smart.”
“Darwin and Mo look for each other but it's not like they cut out the other boys. It's just a different way of playing.
“Mo supports the boys. Darwin came here, big expectations, and Mo probably understood the situation best and saw his potential and wanted to help him. Without having the longest conversation, that was for sure the start of a pretty special partnership.”
Alexis Mac Allister is expected to play in the number six role again at the Etihad despite criticisms of his performances in the position since arriving at Liverpool.
Aware of the calls to play the Argentine further up the pitch, Klopp is wholly confident that the 24-year-old can shine in the position with the way his team plays.
“I understand why people ask about positions, but it's about how the team is set up. Is Macca a natural born six? No. Has football developed in the last few years in ways we wouldn't have imagined? Yes. Does that mean Macca can play six? Yes.
“I like him there a lot, actually. As a team we can benefit from it if we have a really compact formation. That is what we will need tomorrow.”
It's a crucial clash for Liverpool who'll discover just how realistic their title ambitions are when they come up against a team that has won the last three Premier League titles.
