We are really positive - Klopp on Champions League game against Leipzig

Jurgen Klopp is positive that Liverpool will bounce back against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, after three straight Premier League defeats which have quenched their confidence in fighting to defend the League title.

Liverpool lost against Leicester City on Saturday by 3-1 at the King Power Stadium and are fourth on the table with 40 points after 24 matches, 13 points behind league leaders, Manchester City who also have a game in hand against Everton.

The Reds will honour their Champions League round of 16 fixture with RB Leipzig and will enter the game as unbeaten in their last five away games against German opponents.

When Jurgen Klopp was asked how he feels at the moment on his side’s performance recently during his pre-match duties, he told, “It’s not football the only thing that’s happening; [it might be] for you the only thing that’s happening!”

“But there’s a lot of stuff going around: politics, a lot of private things. Yes, football is the main thing and I’m OK, absolutely OK.

“We had a training session before, we had a video analysis meeting before – both were really positive. And we are close to flying to Hungary, to Budapest for the first time in my life. So, no, we are absolutely OK and ready to go.”

Jurgen updated on the injury of Naby Keita who has been sidelined since featuring in the Premier League win over Crystal Palace in December. The manager ruled the player out of the game and hoped to feature him soon in games.

“Naby is no longer injured but he’s not fit yet,” said Jürgen Klopp at his pre-match press conference when asked for his assessment of Keita’s time with the Reds and an update on his condition.

“He was in training yesterday but it’s not sufficient yet. We will be away for two days and he will be in training; it’s better than flying with us. Of course, Naby would have liked to be there when it’s against Leipzig.

“He has had some very great spells but obviously you have to say he has had too many injuries as well, which hasn’t helped a lot. But he has played some really great games for us and scored important goals, has contributed to our success last year; he was always involved despite the injuries.

“These were unfortunate moments when you look at his injuries, it was just minor things that [ruled] him out from the team. But he has got an excellent perspective and is a great player.

“In terms of injuries, we all have to go through these difficulties and once that’s behind you, we’ll have another absolutely great player.”