Jürgen Klopp has revealed Danny Ings’ form for Southampton has been a source of ‘joy’ to his many friends at Liverpool, but outlined why his side are determined to maintain their outstanding Anfield record by making sure he has a quiet afternoon.
The forward left the Reds for the Saints in the summer of 2018, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent last July.
So far this term, Ings has struck 16 goals in all competitions for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and Klopp is, of course, well aware of the threat he will pose to his team’s ambitions today.
However, the manager believes the motivation levels that have enabled his side to go 19 points clear will once again be in evidence when Liverpool take to the field.
He wrote in his column in the official matchday programme: “Today at Anfield we must be ready for a team that doesn’t care about what position in the table either of us currently has.
“They have international quality throughout and they play to their maximum. This makes them a dangerous opponent. And of course there is one player in their ranks we know better than most: Mr Danny Ings.
“For 90-plus minutes today he is our opponent, but other than that he is always our friend at Liverpool. I am not even half-a-per-cent surprised to see what he does this season. Richly deserved, also.
“I would never dream of telling Gareth Southgate what he should be considering, but given he is a top operator and clever coach, I’m sure he’s aware Danny that is someone who could help his country again in the near future.
“Today I hope he has an off-day, but other than that his story this season really brings joy to those of us lucky enough to know him. Moving back to us, we have a very quick turnaround since our game on Wednesday in London. We knew this and we planned for it, but still we must now manage it.
