Jurgen Klopp has so far drawn both his games in charge of Liverpool |
SOUTHAMPTON boss Ronald Koeman believes Jurgen Klopp may be surprised by the intensity of the Premier League.
Saints travel to Liverpool on Sunday (4.15pm) for Klopp's first league game at Anfield since being appointed Brendan Rodgers' successor two weeks ago.
The German will be desperate for victory after a draw against Tottenham and a draw Rubin Kazan in the Europa League, but Southampton are in good form, having lost just once in their last seven matches.
And Koeman believes it won't be easy for Klopp as he comes to terms with the rigours of English football.
"What might surprise Klopp? Every weekend it's very intense," Koeman said.
"You don't have a lot of difference between the clubs. You have to be play at a good level to win every game.
"You can lose against everybody. You can win against everybody.
"If you stay one year as manager you realise it's a tough competition.
"There's no Christmas break and you need a full squad for that."
Liverpool are a team in transition under Klopp and Koeman admitted it has been difficult to prepare for Liverpool.
He said: "On the one side it's difficult because maybe they have some players like Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge back from injuries.
Ronald Koeman believes Klopp will be surprised by Premier League football |
"I think (high-pressing) it's how they like to play football. It was the same in the first game and (against Kazan). I don't think they will change.
"But the most important thing is ourselves. How we like to play, how we like to press, how we have to play compact as our team. It's all about that.
"You have to be focused on your job and the players have to play at the level they expect.
"Liverpool are a big team with a big history. They will always get more attention than Southampton. That's normal."
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