London - Jurgen Klopp says Tottenham’s visit to Anfield will be ‘no birthday party for them’ as his Liverpool team bid to wreck Spurs’ Premier League title dreams.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are five points behind leaders Leicester City and cannot afford any slip-ups against Liverpool, who still hope to earn a European spot.
Klopp also believes that Arsenal, a further six points behind, should not give up on winning the title either.
He said of Tottenham: ‘They play against Liverpool and it is not usually a birthday party for them. It will be a really interesting finale. Arsenal should not stop dreaming. I watch football and I see the decisions they make in the past. I like their story, I like Leicester’s story too.
‘If I was not Liverpool’s manager I would enjoy it even more. We will see who handles the pressure better. Each point you get is much more important.
‘Both teams have handled it great and hopefully in the future we can be more a part of it.’
Klopp reported that all his internationals returned from their duties with a clean bill of health and was particularly pleased that Daniel Sturridge was back in the England fold after his long injury absence.
Asked whether going to this summer’s European Championship would be a good thing for Sturridge, Klopp said: ‘Playing for a country is the best thing a player can do. He is in the best situation since I have been here. He trained in all sessions with the national team and played 65 minutes against Holland. He is on his way to 100 per cent fitness. He is very important for us and hopefully will stay fit until the end of the season. I can’t tell Roy Hodgson what to do.’
Sturridge is likely to be involved against Tottenham, with Christian Benteke still out and Roberto Firmino touch and go. Divock Origi returned to training on Thursday and is available.
Liverpool drew 0-0 at Spurs in Klopp’s first match as manager in October and he spoke of some of the differences 39 matches on. He said: ‘It’s a massive difference. I know much more about the players and the club, it has been a very intense time. Tottenham was really exciting for us. Now everyone knows how strong Tottenham are.’
Daily Mail