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The Liverpool manager faces the Portuguese in Wednesday’s Premier League clash, but was keen to avoid any talk of a rivalry between the two.
Jurgen Klopp admits that Liverpool will face one of the best counterattack teams in the world when they face Tottenham in their clash at the top of the table.
The Reds head to Wednesday’s meeting knowing that victory would take them to the top of the Premier League.
But they will face a tough test against José Mourinho’s team, who are unbeaten in 11 league games and started this week at the top of the table.
Klopp’s respect for the Spurs was clear in his pre-game press conference. He described the North Londoners as “a complete package” and warned his team that they will need to be prepared for one of the toughest games of the season.
“I don’t struggle with confidence before games,” Klopp told reporters. “I am very positive with my boys. I don’t overestimate the last game or anything else, I know there is always a good chance of winning the next one.
“Tottenham have the quality of the best teams, and when they have the ball they show it. But on top of that, they defend like a top team, and right now they probably have the best counter moves out there. They have many situations where they only needed three passes to be one on one with the goalkeeper.
“They are a suitable package at the moment, and that is what we know. But that doesn’t cost me my confidence when I think about my team ”.
Wednesday will mark exactly two years since Mourinho’s last visit to Anfield as manager, a 3-1 loss to Manchester United that saw him sacked two days later.
At the time it was suggested that the Portuguese’s time as an elite coach might be over, but Spurs’ form this season suggests otherwise.
“I don’t think you can compare Man United’s last game to how his team plays now,” Klopp said. “From a confidence level, that is completely different.
“With the long time that José Mourinho has been successful in the football business, he played practically all the different systems and with many different styles. As a coach, you always have to adapt to the quality you have and mix it with the idea you have. That’s one of José’s best skills.
“Ultimately, it’s about getting results, and maybe that’s José’s best ability! In decisive moments, he doesn’t care about style, only about results, and that makes him one of the most successful managers, if not the most successful.
“I respect him a lot. But did he reinvent himself? I do not know. It looks a bit like it when you see it on Instagram! But other than that, he’s so experienced and smart that he knows what to do.
“At first it asked for time, and it was obviously worth it.”
Klopp added: “We don’t play each other. It is not one on one, José against Jurgen. All teams receive our respect.
“It has nothing to do with his legacy or the few things I have gained in my life. They are two good teams, playing against each other. That is my main focus.
“I didn’t see José for a while, except on social media, so I’m looking forward to him. Other than that, everything continues as usual. “
