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Klopp insists Liverpool will be a ‘different animal’ when Premier League kicks off

Jurgen Klopp is unconcerned by Liverpool’s pre-season form and insists his side will be a ‘different animal’ when the Premier League season begins next week.

The European champions have endured a poor run of results during the close-season, having lost three of their past four fixtures against Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Napoli, while only drawing the other, a 2-2 draw with Sporting Lisbon.

Liverpool were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Napoli in Edinburgh on Sunday, a result which has raised concerns ahead of the new campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side next face Lyon in midweek before a meeting with Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, but with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Alisson all still yet to return following international commitments, Klopp is confident that his side will be a different proposition when their league campaign begins at home to Norwich on August 9.

“We now have to fight at the start of the season 100 per cent with all we have,” Klopp said following the defeat to Napoli.

“The good thing is if the opponents want to analyse us now then they think ‘easy job’ – but we will be a different animal next week.

“We conceded two simple goals, lost the ball and each ball we lost was a proper counter-attack. But you have to defend better or keep the ball better or keep a better formation.

“You pretty much need to have everything better.”

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