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Jurgen Klopp acknowledges that Chelsea are the favorites to win the Premier League.
The Liverpool manager led the Reds to their first title in 30 years last season and this time he is with the group of pioneers despite suffering a catalog of injuries.
Liverpool also won at Stamford Bridge, beating Frank Lampard’s team 2-0 in September.
But Klopp acknowledges that the current form puts the Blues in pole position to be champions.
Klopp said: “If I watch football matches at the moment, Chelsea, to me, seem favorites.
“They have the biggest team, great players playing well together after a rusty start, and they are full.
“They have incredible opportunities to switch in games and make changes from game to game, so that’s it.
“I don’t feel like we’re chasing anyone right now, or that no one is chasing us.
“The pressure is there for us, but it’s about how much you think about that pressure, to be honest.” Liverpool faces the Wolves today, with 2,000 fans ready to be welcomed back to Anfield following the easing of coronavirus restrictions on Merseyside.
Klopp doesn’t think the return of the fans to some clubs will give them any real advantage.
He will continue to push the Premier League for managers to use five substitutes again this season.
Klopp says other countries don’t understand why England is the only nation to return three substitutes as players struggle to cope with the demanding schedule created by the coronavirus crisis.
(Image: PA)
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It has been an extremely interesting start to the season for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Their title defense got off to a shaky start when they overcame a seven-goal thriller against Leeds, before going to seven conceded in a beating of Aston Villa.
Virgil van Dijk’s season ended with injury in a 2-2 draw at Everton, leaving the title favorites much less secure in the back, especially with Alisson’s concern about injury.
But there is no slowdown in what will be a busy season, with Klopp making sure his men keep up with him as they fight for more titles.
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Liverpool’s casualty list illustrates the problems it faces.
But Kop’s boss fears that the players aren’t just having mental problems.
He has been keeping a close eye on his squad to assess how they are dealing with the remaining restrictions to combat the pandemic.
Klopp said: “It is 100% clear that the whole situation is challenging. Boys are always under pressure.
“I know they are well paid, but they are still human beings and they have to go home and stay there until they go to the next training session.
“Children are tested for Covid-19 twice a week, but their children still go to school and that makes it even more difficult for them. It makes things intense all the time, that’s all about mental health.
“It is a problem that I have to watch. My door is open as much as possible and we have a lot of talks.
“You look into their eyes and hope they tell you when something is wrong, but there is no guarantee.
That’s why I want five substitutes. Clearly we have to. It’s not just about helping my team. It is for all teams.
“If you ask players from other leagues, and it’s not just Germany, they can’t understand why we don’t do it.
“It is not the solution, but it is part of a solution and if something can help the players a little, I think we should do it.”
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