Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has warned his players that he can axe anyone who thinks that they have accomplished their job by reaching the top spot in November. The former Borussia Dortmund boss has strictly advised his players not to become complacent after a good start to their Premier League campaign this season.
Liverpool lost their top spot in the table after Klopp’s side were held to a draw with Southampton and now the German manager wants to make sure that there is no place for complacency in the squad.
When asked about one lesson that he wants to induce in the Reds squad from the time when he had guided Borussia Dortmund to title triumph against all odds, he replied back with a strong message for his players, warning them to not become complacent at any cost.
Klopp said: “Yes, there is something I can tell the players from the time we won with Dortmund. Not think too much about it. That will help
“If somebody is a character and wants to celebrate [being in] position one in November then he will not play in December anymore, because I see it pretty quick.”
“It is better to be in the number one spot one time than never in your life, but it is not really important in this moment. If you then celebrate this and don’t be professional any more then you have a problem.”
Klopp had played a quintessential role in helping Dortmund clinch the title within just two years after taking charge at the German club despite having an inexperienced squad and the German believes that it was only possible as he gave his best to keep his players grounded.
And now he wants to do the same at Liverpool.
After drawing with Southampton, Liverpool now sits second in the league table – one point behind current league leaders Chelsea, with Man City fighting hard to snatch the second spot from the Reds.
While the German manager has warned his players to avoid complacency, he also insisted that he has full confidence that his players will act professionally.
Klopp added: “These things usually don’t happen. The players are here in this situation because their character is really good – it is a long way to get here.”
“It is not like they are surprised about success whether it is individual or as a team. They had successes of being the best player at Southampton, Schalke, Sunderland or other teams. This is success in itself.”
“We are four or five hours a day here. Sometimes longer, sometimes less. They still have a few hours to be influenced, and that is what we have to do.”
“It is not too difficult. Nothing has happened until now. There is nothing to think about.”
“They know this already — Stay cool, play football and see what happens.”