Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool must be ‘spot on’ when defending set-pieces as Luton visit Anfield in the Premier League this week.
Liverpool will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when the Hatters arrive on Merseyside on Wednesday evening, with the Reds currently two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Luton held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road in the reverse fixture and have produced some eye-catching results in recent weeks, thrashing Brighton 4-0 and earning a 4-4 draw at Newcastle.
Klopp said his team must be focused on the clash with Luton and not this weekend’s Carabao Cup final with Chelsea at Wembley. The German outlined the set-piece threat of Rob Edwards’ side and praised the performances of midfielder Ross Barkley.
“We always have to focus on this in the Premier League. I am long enough here to know this,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“It’s different in England compared to other countries. The six-yard box is an area where everyone can act ‘active’ round the goalkeeper I could say. We have to be pretty spot on in these moments.
“Set-pieces are one strength [of Luton] but I have to say the way they play their system with their confidence level. They play incredible but even in games they lost they were in the game. We experienced a tough game there, but it was a different game to how they play now.
“Now in possession they found a structure where everyone is really comfortable. Ross Barkley is one of these nice story who really is back to his best, or better. He plays a deeper role, super disciplined on the ball and extremely strong.
“[Albert Sambi] Lokonga when you see him you can tell he’s an Arsenal player on loan deal. Interesting! They are strong and experienced. They are a really together [squad].
“The situation at Bournemouth with the captain [Tom Lockyer collapsed] it brought them closer and made them think some things are worse in life than maybe getting relegated.”
Read – Klopp update on Liverpool’s lengthy injury list
See more – England: Who will be on the plane for Euro 2024?
