Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is setting his sights on UEFA Europa League glory in the 2023/24 season as his team prepares to face LASK in the opening match of their campaign.
After an impressive start to the Premier League season, where they’ve secured 13 points out of a possible 15, Liverpool are turning their focus towards European competition.
Klopp’s leadership and tactical prowess have been evident in their domestic performances, and he aims to translate that success into a memorable European campaign.
However, Liverpool will face this challenge without the services of key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Thiago Alcantara, who are set to miss the game.
On a positive note for the Reds, captain Virgil van Dijk is back in contention for selection. The Dutch defender had been serving a domestic suspension, but he’s now ready to bolster Liverpool’s defensive ranks.
“I know Austrian football, I knew it since a long time ago but I was never in Linz. I know we are favourites and you like to play the game of the big club and small club but we are really here to play football,” Klopp said.
“We take this game seriously and we want to make the most of it. I think the stadium is wonderful, they opened it in February. We are not arrogant, we want to compete and win here.
“LASK are very stable, they have a clear idea of football. They use the wings very well, good free-kicks – so it’s not easy and if you let them play they will use the opportunity. I was in this role also when you can’t lose, so we have to be prepared.
He added: “In everything I think. I saw the last three games and it’s football. If they are under pressure they have a certain style of play and they take the second ball. It will be a difficult game.
“What would I do if I would play against Liverpool tomorrow? I would give everything and Liverpool would not enjoy it. We need to prepare ourselves and play very good football.
“Firstly, we have to be as motivated as they are. We are excited to come here and play in the Europa League.
“We didn’t watch the Champions League yesterday and didn’t miss the melody. We deserved the Europa League like LASK too.”
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