Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool remain in good hands under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group, despite not being able to match the huge sums spent by Chelsea in the transfer market. Liverpool and Chelsea clash at Anfield today with both teams languishing 10 points adrift of the Premier League’s top four.
Chelsea have responded by taking their spending in the first season under new ownership to over £400mn ($494mn) with the signings of Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix on loan this month. “Interesting. I cannot explain it, I have no idea. But if the numbers are true then it’s impressive,” said Klopp of Chelsea’s spending.
By contrast, FSG have been accused by Liverpool fans of not giving Klopp the resources to refresh a side that came close to a historic quadruple last season. The American ownership group have begun the process of either selling the club or inviting investment for a minority stake.
Liverpool look a shadow of their former selves at present, with Klopp describing last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton as the worst performance of his managerial career. “We are here in a good position. I know that sounds strange because we didn’t play our best football but in general we are in good hands,” added Klopp ahead of his 1,000th game as a manager. “So we don’t get crazy or whatever. We really know about the responsibility we have and we really try absolutely everything to try to bring us back on track and not worry too much.”
Former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson knows all about longevity at one of the Premier League’s superpowers. Ferguson, who spent 27 years at United, paid tribute to Klopp’s 1,000-match milestone in his role as League Managers’ Association committee member.
“Jurgen is undoubtedly one of the most gifted managers in world football and the dedication and passion which Jurgen brings to his role is inspiring to anyone aspiring to a career in football management,” he said. “The many trophies he has already won in his career, including in recent seasons the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool, confirm his status amongst football’s elite. I am certain that Jurgen will continue his trajectory of success and add many more matches to the 1,000 he achieves this weekend.”
Injuries have hampered Liverpool all season, with Virgil van Dijk, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz among those still sidelined for the visit of Chelsea. The Blues have had even more severe injury problems in Graham Potter’s first few months in charge and Klopp believes that can explain a poor season so far for both clubs.
“I think it’s the only team with a similar injury list like ours. It’s tough,” added Klopp in comparing Liverpool and Chelsea’s absentees to Premier League leaders Arsenal. “Arsenal deserve to be where they are at the moment. Play outstanding football. But cut out five players or three offensive players and nobody would think Arsenal where are you? Injuries are a massive problem, Chelsea has them as much as we have. It’s not the only problem but it’s a big problem so that’s why I’m not surprised that they do not do well.” Klopp looks set to have at least one key player back fit as Darwin Nunez returns after missing the last two games.

Mudryk set for Chelsea debut
Graham Potter says Chelsea’s new £88mn winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to make his debut in today’s clash with Liverpool. Chelsea boss Potter landed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk after Premier League leaders Arsenal appeared on the verge of signing him.
The 22-year-old was paraded in front of Chelsea fans on the pitch at half-time of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Mudryk has trained with his new teammates this week and Potter is likely to use him at some stage at Anfield this weekend. “Yeah, there’s a chance (he will feature). “It’s how much he can do. I think 90 minutes, no. There’s probably a role for him at some stage in the game,” Potter told reporters. “He’s obviously come from a mid-season break, so hasn’t played so much football recently but has been training well. We’ll assess him and see how much he can play at the weekend.”
With Chelsea struggling in 10th place in the Premier League, Potter hopes the skillful Mudryk can prove the spark to ignite his team. “He’s a young player, exciting player, fantastic speed one v one, can attack the backline and now we’ve just got to help him adapt to the Premier League, adapt to us,” he said.
Mudryk might not be the last signing of a busy January window for Potter, who has already brought in Joao Felix, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos. Chelsea have been linked with PSV Eindhoven’s England Under-21 winger Noni Madueke, who has reportedly had a medical ahead of a transfer worth around £35 million.
Chelsea’s win against Palace last weekend was only their second in 10 league games, while Liverpool have endured their own problems of late. Jurgen Klopp’s are only one place above the Blues, but Potter is certain the German remains the right man to lead Liverpool.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)
Today: Liverpool v Chelsea (1230), Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest, Leicester v Brighton, Southampton v Aston Villa, West Ham v Everton, Crystal Palace v Newcastle (1730)
Tomorrow: Leeds v Brentford, Manchester City v Wolves (both 1400), Arsenal v Manchester Untied (1630)
Monday: Fulham v Tottenham (2000)