Liverpool in ‘good shape’ ahead of Watford, Hoffenheim clashes

Liverpool Boss, Jurgen Klopp, has described Liverpool as being “in a good shape” ahead of their Premier League opener against Watford and Champions League play-off at Hoffenheim.

The Reds will be at Watford this weekend to begin their League campaign before travelling to Germany next Tuesday.

Speaking on Wednesday as the club announced Western Union as their shirt sleeve sponsor, Klopp told reporters that “everybody was really happy” that they finished in the top four last season.

“It was really a good result for a big effort,” he said.

“We knew also there would be a qualification game (for Champions League spot), and now it is coming up. But the first challenge we have to face is playing Watford, even though everybody is thinking about the Champions League qualifiers.”

Read Also: UCL: Liverpool to face Hoffenheim in playoff

The Merseyside outfit completed their pre-season matches by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in Dublin last Saturday, and Klopp is confident that his side are ready to begin the season on a high.

“We are in a good shape,” he added.

“The players are in a good mood, the attitude in all the training sessions was really good – yes, there have been one or two little injuries and one bigger [Adam Lallana’s thigh problem], but that is how life is.

“We showed it in Dublin again that we are in a good shape. So everything is in a good way – but of course now we have to deliver, and we know that, so we are ready for it.”

Liverpool will play away to Hoffenheim on Tuesday, 15 August, and host the reverse fixture at Anfield on 23 August.

The winner of the tie will advance to the group stage of the Champions League, while the defeated team will enter the Europa League group stage.

 

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