Jurgen Klopp has reminded his Liverpool stars to treat all matches and all opponents in equal terms. The opposing teams they face on the pitch are capable of winning, and every game counts, according to the German manager. His words did the work as the Reds again won over the KRC Genk, 2-1.
Prior to the match at Anfield, Klopp called on the Reds to focus on every game and treat it as "a heavyweight world title fight. It seemed that the ploy made an immediate impact as the English club defeated the Belgian side.
While Klopp achieved what he wanted, it was quite obvious that Liverpool limped its way to a win, The Telegraph reported, adding that the victorious players "preoccupied by bigger test to come."
Klopp had warned not worry about the showdown with Manchester City ahead of the weekend schedule, but it appeared the Reds could not contain their excitement. After all, the duel by the two Premier League leaders is seen as the biggest game of the season, Metro reported.
"Liverpool could open up a nine-point lead over City should they beat them on Sunday and although the season is still under a third of the way through, that gap would be a big one for Pep Guardiola's team to bridge," the report said.
In his message to the team, Klopp stressed the importance of locking the sight on the work at hand, adding the Reds "must be in the moment."
In doing so, Liverpool will avoid repeating the heartbreaking mistakes of the past. Klopp recalled the last season when the Reds nearly failed to advance in the Champions League, if not for the heroics of Alisson Becker against Napoli.
The team had to go through the circuitous course in order to win, and the German blamed the players' lack of focus. They don't need to do the same this year, Klopp stressed.
"A Champions League game, be it group or knockout, is a heavyweight world title fight every time. Every team you face has the quality to beat you and to knock you to the canvas. These teams don't just have a puncher's chance, they are winners with a winner's approach," the team manager was reported by The Daily Mirror as saying.
Also, Klopp reminded that every point counts, and for that matter, all games are important, no matter the competition and the opponents.
Losing sight of this or even thinking ahead of the big things could lead to a disaster, the manager cautioned.
"If you have the wrong attitude or the wrong mindset you will lose. There is no question of this," the Liverpool boss declared.
