Klopp expects tough opening day game for Liverpool against Leeds

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says his side must prepare for a tough game against Leeds in the opening game of their 20/21 Premier League season

In less than a week from now, the new Premier League season will kick-off. All eyes will be on Liverpool as they look to retain their title.

The Reds were runaway champions last season by far. They finished top of the pile with a massive 18-point gap over second-place Manchester City.

A new season is just around the corner and action will begin once again. Liverpool start their title-defence campaign with a home fixture against newly-promoted Leeds.

Given the venue and quality of both sides, it’s expected to be a win for Jurgen Klopp and company. Well, that is on paper at least.

Leeds return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence and look motivated than ever to make a statement.

Their recent purchase of Rodrigo which saw them break their club-record fee is an indication of their ambitions for next season. Marcelo Bielsa is a well known tactician and is also well capabale of pulling a shock upset against the reigning champions.

Jurgen Klopp is aware and admits Liverpool cannot afford to take the game lightly.

“We have to make sure we now get ready for the first game against Leeds because that will be a really tough one,” said Klopp as quoted by Metro.

“Leeds have a specific style of play, man-marking over the whole pitch and makes it proper intense.”

“We have to be ready for that but we have a few days. Hopefully all the other boys now stay healthy in the international games, then they come back and we have three days to work together on that.”

“It was the best pre-season we could have had because we cannot compare and nobody will give us a different one.”

Rather than defend their title, Klopp has urged his Liverpool side to attack for it once again ahead of next season.