Klopp set for big test

LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp insists tonight's meeting with Manchester United is not a personal battle between him and Jose Mourinho.

The pair have met previously when at Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively, and while they may be two of the top coaches in the world the German said the result will be determined by the players on the field.

"I've said before it's not Mourinho against Klopp - that would make the game much easier," the Liverpool boss told LFC TV.

"He is a very successful and very experienced colleague. We had a few talks before the games, especially against Real Madrid.

"It was always difficult, because he always has good teams behind him I would say. (It's) always a big challenge and that's how it is this time.

"This is Liverpool against United, two good sides. We are in the race for three points and that's the only thing I need."

Klopp's first Premier League meeting with Liverpool's arch rivals ended in a 1-0 home defeat in January, but his side got the better of United in a two-legged Europa League last-16 tie a couple of months later.

He joked he may just resurrect his team talk from March before the Anfield encounter.

"I don't write down what I say before games, but maybe I could use it again for the next Man United game," he added.

"I am quite optimistic because we have a wonderful opportunity to play a home game under the floodlights.

"It will be a fantastic atmosphere and trying your best in a situation like this is the best thing I can imagine in football."