Leeds United will have never known it so intense, says Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp

The promoted Whites head to Anfield this evening – after a 16-year absence from the top-flight – as Liverpool begin the defence of their title.

Despite having sated the desire for a long-awaited title Klopp has no intention of allowing his players to take their eye off the ball heading into the new campaign.

“I know Marcelo (Bielsa) said Anfield is not Anfield without supporters and he is right, in one way, but it is still Anfield, by the way,” he said. “It is our home and we are Liverpool.”

He added: “That should not sound like a threat, but they did not play us very often before and it should feel different for them as well.

“We are ready to work hard and make life more uncomfortable for them than any team last year could against them.”

Klopp added: “If we do not we will suffer.

“It is the first game of the season and it sounds like it is a big advantage for Leeds because they waited so long for the Premier League

“Now everything is new and they are fighting for everything and we are champions, leaning back (motioning puffing on a cigar) and we all look at what Leeds are doing.

“We were not doing this and for as long as I breathe we will not be like this.

“It must be the most intense game Leeds ever had, otherwise we will have more problems than I want to have.”

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson may have to settle for a place on the bench having only returned to full training this week after a knee injury.

Klopp will also make late calls on Xherdan Shaqiri and new signing Kostas Tsimikas.

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James Mitchinson