Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits stability is the main issue for the Reds and believes Napoli can reach the Champions League Final.
The Partenopei visit Anfield in the final Champions League group stage game tomorrow. The Serie A leaders can win their group with a victory or a draw, but even a defeat would do as long as it’s within a three-goal margin.
“I’m not scared of the game tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it,” Klopp said at a press conference, as quoted by The Liverpool Echo.
“Everybody knows what they are doing at Napoli. They defend together and counter-attack really well. If Napoli play like they have been then they have a good chance of getting to the Final.”
Italian media have highlighted the common traits of Napoli and Liverpool’s playing style, but Klopp believes Luciano Spalleti ‘didn’t copy’ Liverpool’s playing style.
“No, Spalletti is a very experienced coach working around the world and has made good signings and brought the group together. They defend differently from us.
“We have to fight. I don’t want to see back-heels, bicycle kicks. We just have to fight, but Napoli will too,” Klopp continued.
“We have to be the opponent [other teams] don’t want to face, but Napoli is quite high. We have to give them a knock.”
Liverpool sit ninth in the Premier League table after a 2-1 loss against Leeds United at Anfield on Saturday: “I’ve been long enough in the business to know there’s always a chance to win the next game and put things right,” said the Reds’ boss.
“People can’t expect us to be flying, also because of the quality of opponents. [Teams coming to Anfield] smell their chance. We have to hope the players coming from the World Cup are fit and we can reset a few things and go from there.
“Stability is our issue. We have had highs and lows this season,” Klopp admitted.
“We can’t think about what’s happening in the next few months, we have to only think about the next game. It’s a rough moment, no doubt about it but there is the only way to face it.
“We have to win the first challenge. Celebrate it in the stands and on the pitch and go from there.
“If you want to get out of something, then you have to go through it first, that’s what we are doing. The boys want to win the game, they don’t want to draw.”
Napoli are about to take their flight to Liverpool and Spalletti will address the media later today. The Partenopei won the reverse fixture at the Stadio Maradona 4-1 last month: “Napoli at home have always been difficult. But let’s make something special out of this,” Klopp concluded.