Klopp hails ‘strongest squad’ in his Liverpool reign

Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp (centre right) congratulates Liverpool’s Portuguese striker Diogo Jota on the pitch after the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Liverpool and Cardiff City at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 6, 2022. – Liverpool won the game 3-1. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool have the strongest squad in his Anfield reign as the German chases four trophies in one season for the first time.

Klopp is in uncharted territory with Liverpool embroiled in the Premier League title race while preparing for next week’s Champions League last 16 first leg against Inter Milan.

The Reds are also in the League Cup final against Chelsea and the FA Cup fifth round against Norwich.

Never before has Klopp been in with a chance to win four major prizes in one season and the Liverpool boss believes that is down to the quality and depth of the squad assembled at Anfield.

The January arrival of Colombia forward Luis Diaz, plus the returns of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah from Africa Cup of Nations duty, will give Klopp a host of attacking options heading towards the business end of the season.

Even Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League winners and 2020 Premier League champions can’t compare to Klopp’s current crop.

“That is the strongest squad of course, no doubt about that,” Klopp said.

“It would be a shame if that was not the case otherwise we would have become weaker over the years.

“We always had a strong squad and that we didn’t make it in four competitions before was for different reasons.

“Timing in life is important and in football as well and when you come through a brilliant December on three wheels then January gets a bit bumpy when the cup competitions start