Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says that there will be no room for excuses this season, as the Reds prepare to get their campaign underway against Arsenal on Sunday.
The former Borussia Dortmund coach, who replaced Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager in October 2015, stated that he never looked for excuses last season, and he would be continuing that way.
“I never used the excuse ‘that’s not my team’ last season. I enjoyed my work from the first day here”, he said.
Klopp also insisted that this is the message that he has instilled into his squad during their pre-season campaign for the season ahead.
“We want to fight for everything. We’re not looking for excuses. In this moment everything is possible”, he added.
Liverpool’s 2015-16 season ended in disappointment, as they were defeated in the Europa League final by Sevilla, costing them a place in Europe for 2016-17, a factor that frustrates Klopp.
“Again we are not looking for excuses. There is nothing positive about not being in Europe apart from extra time that we can use to train”, said the German.
Liverpool face the Gunners on Sunday with a number of injury problems, and Klopp confirmed that James Milner and Daniel Sturridge both face a challenge to be fit in time.
“It’s still possible that Milner could be involved, it’s not too serious, a bruise on the heel, we will have to wait. Sturridge could be involved in team training today but he has missed a lot of sessions”, stated the Reds boss.
With Liverpool likely to remain involved in transfer activity into the start of the season, Klopp said that he was staying open minded on the matter, but that an excess of forwards could lead to an exit.
“August 31st 11pm is the time for everyone. Until then we will be ready to react to different scenarios. Having 6 strikers is too comfortable, but we won’t be giving presents to other clubs”, he confirmed.