Liverpool have not lost in their last 61 matches at home in the
English Premier League, but coach Juergen Klopp warned his
players of the danger of Sheffield United on Saturday.
The last time the team lost at Anfield in the league was when
they were defeated by Crystal Palace 2-1 in April 2017.
Sheffield United, trained by Chris Wilder, was the black horse
of the competition last season after finishing ninth in his return
to the top flight, but he did not achieve any victory and is
ranked 19 after five games in the new season.
“Sheffield United deserves a lot of attention for what he did last
season,” Klopp told a news conference on Friday.
“Although Sheffield’s results now do not live up to their
ambitions, the team was not bad, and that is why I warn the
players against the confrontation, especially as they have had
a full week to prepare.”
With several first-team players injured, Sheffield started the
season with four straight defeats, but showed a significant
improvement in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
In the absence of injured Virgil van Dijk, Brazilian midfielder
Fabinho moved to the center of defense to put up a powerful
display in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Ajax Amsterdam in the
Champions League.
However, Klopp said the team’s new defensive form needed
some time to harmonize as Van Dyck faces the prospect of
a prolonged absence.
