Jürgen Klopp: Liverpool will not take on Arsenal at a possession game

‘Arsenal are beatable. Not easy, but it’s possible,’ said the Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp

‘Arsenal are beatable. Not easy, but it’s possible,’ said the Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp (PA)

Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, has said there is no point his players attempting to imitate Arsenal’s “possession football” when the two teams meet at Anfield on Wednesday night, but insisted that Arsène Wenger’s side are “beatable.”

Klopp, who said he is confident of having Kolo Touré available to ease his defensive injury crisis, said the Premier League leaders were simply too experienced in the possession game to attempt to match them. In the past Klopp has famously underlined the contrast in their coaching philosophies – declaring of Arsenal “it’s like an orchestra. But it’s a silent song. I like heavy metal,” on one occasion.

“Arsenal and Arsène have their own style: it’s possession football,” he said. “So it’s clear that if we want to play the same way we will be without a chance because they’ve been doing it for longer.

“Arsenal are not only a good possession team, that’s the problem. They have good counter-attacks too and that’s what you have to be aware of. But they are beatable. Not easy, but it’s possible.”

Klopp has Mamadou Sakho desperate to start alongside Touré in central defence tomorrow, with his fitness still in a little doubt. Captain Jordan Henderson (heel) is available and Dejan Lovren is possibly a contender for Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on Sunday, having recovered more quickly than anticipated from a hamstring injury.

Klopp has two victories, a draw and three defeats to his name against Wenger in their encounters and was effusive in his praise of the Frenchman and his longevity in British football. “[It is an] absolutely amazing achievement and my respect grows day by day because it’s really intensive in the Premier League, especially with a team with international matches too,” the German said.

“It has grown since I’m here, a brilliant job what he did, a high-quality manager, one of the best in the world. It’s rare to do this over such a long period. It’s always a challenge to play against him and again, a challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”

Klopp, who has recalled goalkeeper Danny Ward back from loan at Aberdeen, will have Jordon Ibe (hamstring) in his squad, though not James Milner (calf), who is still working his way back to fitness after six games out.

Despite Daniel Sturridge still struggling for fitness, Klopp rejected any notion that Liverpool would sign the former Milan striker Alexandre Pato, who is currently at Corinthians, in this transfer window.