Jurgen Klopp watched Liverpool close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to six points and move to second in the table with a 4-1 win over Stoke.
Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino scored before the break after Jon Walters headed home to give Stoke a shock lead. Then Giannelli Imbula diverted Divock Origi’s cross into his own net for 3-1, before Daniel Sturridge wrapped things up.
Now Klopp is readying his charges for the crucial clash against Manchester City on New Year’s Eve — and their boss, Pep Guardiola, was at Anfield watching proceedings to run the rule over the Reds.
Klopp said:
“It is a big game for both of us. I heard Pep was in the stadium tonight; I am not sure he watched a lot of games in the last few weeks from the stadiums of the opponents, so that’s a first sign it’s a special game and we are already looking forward to it.”
“It’s a difficult game for both teams, but exciting and the best thing is it’s at Anfield. I am really looking forward to it. They are an outstandingly good side and we are not too bad, so it will be a nice game.”
Meanwhile Klopp singled out Sturridge for his goal and says the striker’s finish was all about natural talent.
He added:
“I was more than pleased, it was a perfect goal. In a situation like this, 3-1 up but still intense, and then you can then use the quality Daniel has, that’s perfect.
“In this moment, you can learn a lot of things in life, but not being in this position in this moment – that’s natural and doing what he did was perfect. It was a wonderful goal. It was very, very important because it closed the game and gave us the opportunity to cool down a little bit.”