‘That’s what we will try’ – Jurgen Klopp reveals Liverpool plan to nullify Erling Haaland

Jurgen Klopp believes Erling Haaland is ‘the best striker in the world’ and has opened up about his team’s strategy to restrict the threat of in-form striker in their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

Haaland has got off to a lightning start to life in the Premier League, netting an incredible 15 goals in nine appearances for City, which includes three successive hat-tricks at the Etihad.

The 22-year-old has also notched five goals in three Champions League games, taking his total to 20 goals in all competitions and making him a defender’s nightmare in the process.

Liverpool did manage to keep him at bay in his first-ever appearance for City, which saw the Reds win the Community Shield after Haaland had an off day in front of goal.

Klopp’s Liverpool will again take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

Ahead of the game, Klopp has said that City are the best team on the planet.

The Liverpool boss has also suggested how his team plan to stop City and Norway international striker Haaland.

Klopp has said that Liverpool need to stop the former Borussia Dortmund star from getting too many balls.

He told reporters (via Liverpool Echo): “We will give it a try with Anfield behind us against the best team in the world.”

Klopp added: “Probably best striker in the world so we have to make sure he doesn’t get many balls. That’s what we will try.

“Against City is if you close Haaland down with too many players you open up gaps for all the other world-class players. Doesn’t make life easier.”

Klopp was asked about when he first took notice of Haaland, with the German responding how the striker scored past them in the Champions League while at RB Salzburg. 

‘Salzburg, we played them,’ Klopp added. ‘What is it about him? Even when he was very young you could see the potential. I don’t think he started at Anfield but we were already pretty busy thinking about him and how to close him down. He scored anyway!’

‘He has the combination of being pretty physical and technical. He knows where the offsides are, reads it well. So many things to make a striker, and at City has some of the best players around him setting up goals. It’s a perfect fit.

‘His finishing skills are exceptional but he moves really smart. You can only use speed if you use it in a smart way. His whole package makes it special.’