Klopp praises Solskjaer ahead of weekend showdown

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Jurgen Klopp reacts during the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool, Britain on Feb. 9, 2019. Liverpool won 3-0. (Xinhua)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Thursday sang highly of his Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash between the two traditional rivals.

Liverpool have to travel to Old Trafford. A win would take Liverpool three points clear of Manchester City, but a defeat would leave United's neighbors on top of the table and favorites to claim the league title.

It's arguably the worst possible time for Liverpool to visit Old Trafford after Solskjaer has led United to a run of 10 wins and a draw from his 11 matches in charge since replacing Jose Mourinho. Solskjaer suffered only one loss in the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain.

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is doing a brilliant job," said Klopp at his pre-game press conference on Thursday.

"It is all about bringing out the potential of the team, improving the quality, and that is what he obviously did and that makes him a manager for a top club," he added

Klopp highlighted that United are more aggressive under the Norwegian than under his predecessor Mourinho.

"They are much more front-footed for sure now, that is clear, but their counter attacks are a massive threat, especially when (Anthony) Martial and (Jesse) Lingard get fit again.

"It is not only one thing they are good at. There are a few ways where you can at least give them a few questions they don't have easy answers for - but it will be a very physical game and very demanding for both teams. We will see how they play against us," said Klopp.

The German coach had bad news on Thursday when the FA confirmed the fine of 45,000 pounds (1 pound =1.3 US dollars) for Klopp's criticizing the referee following his side's 1-1 draw away to West Ham on February 4. 

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