Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp warns his players that Jesse Marsch will have Leeds fired up

Jurgen Klopp has warned his Liverpool players that Jesse Marsch will have Leeds fired up for Saturday’s game at Anfield.

Leeds go into the game in the relegation zone and without a win in eight matches, which includes four consecutive defeats. 

However, Klopp is wary that Marsch will be demanding a reaction from his team given their recent struggles.

As reported by Sky Sports, Klopp said: ‘When we talk about our situation, how can we improve it, it sounds like we just have to play better and then – ah, there’s still an opponent.

‘And Leeds are really going for it, Leeds are super lively, super aggressive. I think Jesse at Salzburg, Leipzig was a lot of high press, stuff like this. Now it’s a lot of midfield press, make spaces really small, going for counter-attacks, a lot of really good players, talented players.

‘(Patrick) Bamford is back, then (Jack) Harrison, (Brenden) Aaronson, speed and desire, then they have real machines. I’m not sure (Tyler) Adams can play, but if he can, another hard, hardest worker in midfield. So there’s a lot to like about this team. And they have no result the last six, seven games, no real result.

Marsch is eager to see a response from his players following eight games without a victory

‘So they will be here. And I heard Jesse Marsch saying he is sick of losing, and he’s already very emotional on the touchline. He’s obviously in the dressing room pretty lively. So he will set them on fire.’ 

Liverpool beat Ajax 3-0 in the Champions League in midweek, but they will be eager to return to winning ways in the league following their defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Klopp’s team are currently in eighth place, twelve points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool are set to have Thiago back available against Leeds following an ear infection

Marsch has hired a permanent psychologist after questioning whether his players can handle a relegation battle.

Marsch said: ‘I said last year it was a psychological project and I feel we are back into that phase where I have to psychologically analyse exactly where each individual is at.

‘I’m trying to figure out which guys can be counted on at the highest level, which guys are ready to fight for everything. Certain players are built more internally to handle these moments and other players start to waver a little.

‘People talk about the physical and tactical side, but I think the psychological often gets neglected. Often that is the most important thing, to unlock insecurities and reinforce confidence in people in ways to help them perform.’ 

A lack of consistency has been a major problem for Liverpool so far this season and Klopp’s side can ill afford to drop more points on Saturday.

Midfielder Thiago Alcantara is set to be back available for Liverpool following an ear infection.

However, Jordan Henderson will be assessed after suffering a knock against Ajax. 

Liverpool won both games against Leeds last season, which included a 6-0 success at Anfield.