Jurgen Klopp sets Liverpool 'annoying' challenge and outlines Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri returnLiverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaks on how his side will approach the new season and when two players will return to squad trainingJurgen Klopp is confident Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri will return to training next week as he challenged Liverpool to become even more annoying this season.
The Reds have travelled back to Merseyside after completing their US tour with a 2-2 draw against Sporting Lisbon in New York's Yankee Stadium on Wednesday.
Klopp's side are next in action on Sunday when they face Napoli at Murrayfield before embarking on a week-long training camp in Evian.
And while reflecting on the Stateside trip, the Reds boss has underlined the importance of the next 10 days - while believing both Keita and Shaqii hrave a role to play.
“We have an important week ahead of us at Evian for a proper training camp,” said Klopp.
“We have a very tricky game against Napoli and then the game against Lyon we organised pretty much for the boys who are coming back.
“Hopefully they can get some minutes in that game. It will be really important.
“When we get back, hopefully six players can join us. Naby Keita should be ready to train hopefully, Xherdan Shaqiri should be ready to train and then hopefully play, Mo, Bobby and Ali and a week later Sadio Mane as well. They are important players for us.”
Liverpool had previously lost against Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla in the States, and Klopp added: “In Notre Dame and Boston the biggest challenge was the weather, we pretty much hit the two hottest days of the year and also for training, but especially the game.
“The pitches are always a challenge in America, and playing in baseball grounds the pitch is not symmetric.
“It was nice to meet the people with us, it was an outstanding atmosphere. The way they showed up was really nice.
“Obviously, I'm not allowed to say too many nice things about the Yankees because of the (Boston) Red Sox but they were really nice to us, it was a very good experience.
“Every year is the same in pre-season. You have these games which have no real value at the end. It is different to the Premier League. Some things I liked, some things I did not like.
“After this trip, nobody should talk to me too often about the Champions League trophy.
“That's now finished, I hope we don't carry it with us all the time still so that we can start writing a new book or chapter.”
Speaking after the draw with Sporting, Klopp was asked how Liverpool can evolve with Pep Guardiola, boss of Premier League rivals Manchester City, keeping close tabs on their development.
“He picks us piece by piece and I give you the rest of the information? I would be happy if we start at the similar level to last year,” said the Reds boss. “That would not be bad.
“There is space for improvement. It is easy to plan what you want to improve in the office but then you miss three players or four others are not there and it becomes a theoretical part of football and you have to throw the plans in the bin so often, sometimes 10 minutes before a game.
“Stability, consistency, fighting for results. It is all important. Consistency on a high level is most important.
“If we can do that again it can be annoying playing against us and we must come again so they think when they play Liverpool or go to Anfield it is not fun. Last year was good and obviously we have not changed much.
“The boys should be there again to make the next step. They are older and more experienced.”
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/f ... s-16643758 
He was all over us last night and none of our lads could touch him.
