Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Tottenham as a 'proper football unit' and is prepared for a tough game on Wednesday. Reuters
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Tottenham as a 'proper football unit' and is prepared for a tough game on Wednesday. Reuters
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Tottenham as a 'proper football unit' and is prepared for a tough game on Wednesday. Reuters
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Tottenham as a 'proper football unit' and is prepared for a tough game on Wednesday. Reuters

Liverpool v Tottenham: Jurgen Klopp credits Jose Mourinho for turning Spurs into a 'results machine'


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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has credited Jose Mourinho for turning Tottenham Hotspur into a "results-machine" as the Premier League's top two sides prepare to clash at Anfield on Wednesday.

Mourinho's Spurs have the best defensive record in the league and are ahead of reigning champions Liverpool on goal difference.

Although Tottenham have been accused of being a defensive, counter-attacking team, Klopp said there was more to their game than meets the eye and drew similarities with his own side.

"[Mourinho] showed obviously some comeback skills, if it was that. Very impressive, what he has done at Tottenham," Klopp told reporters.

"The way they play this year is really good, he turned them into a results-machine ... Counter-attack is not their only strategy, they are a proper footballing side.

"Harry Kane drops [deep] in a way Roberto Firmino has done. Quick wingers... A very offensive midfielder in [Tanguy] Ndombele, then very strong midfielders behind. That is football, you cannot be top of the league with only counter-attacking."

Klopp is wary of Spurs' goalscoring duo of Son Heung-min and Kane, who have a combined 19 goals and 14 assists in the league, but pointed out they were not the only threats in the side.

"Unfortunately, if we keep [Son and Kane] quiet, they are still a lot of really good players ... with threats from a lot of areas on the pitch," Klopp said.

"[Steven] Bergwijn plays an important role in counter-attacking moments. Ndombele needed a bit longer to settle at Tottenham, but he's now 100 per cent there.

"[Giovani] Lo Celso, [Moussa] Sissoko, [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg - a proper unit in midfield. It works well together ... And Gareth Bale being fit again is another threat."

Klopp said defender Joel Matip was a doubt for the clash due to back spasms while he will make a late call on midfielder Naby Keita.

Jose Mourinho's Tottenham have the best defensive record in the Premier League. AFP
Jose Mourinho's Tottenham have the best defensive record in the Premier League. AFP
Info

What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship

When: December 27-29, 2018

Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams

Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae, Virgin megastores or call 800 86 823

RACE CARD

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m

7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m

7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m

8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m

8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m

9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m

Need to know

The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours. 

The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.

When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend  are  January-February and September-October.  Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.

Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.

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Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda