Klopp would miss 'special' Merseyside derby if Everton go down

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he would miss the Merseyside derby next season if Everton were relegated.

While the Reds are challenging for three more titles, having already won the Carabao Cup, their near neighbours are mired in a battle to avoid the drop, sitting in 17th just a point ahead of Burnley.

Asked whether he would miss the fixture, Klopp said: "Yes. Of course, we are used to the two clubs in the city and that is how it is.

"Around the derbies it's always special. This week is slightly different because we played United (on Tuesday) but usually it is the full week, Everton is all people talk about."

Last term's encounter at Goodison Park saw Virgil Van Dijk ruled out for the season with a knee injury after a reckless challenge by Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while midfielder Thiago Alcantara was sidelined for more than two months also with a knee problem after a red-card tackle by Richarlison.

Klopp welcomes the passion of the encounter but wants it to be controlled.

"These derbies never lacked intensity to be honest. I love intensity and physicality in football but there is a rule book and make sure we all stick to that and don't go over the top," he added.

"I just want to have a very intense, very physical game but not more because we play games after the derby.

"This game is important for both but I can't remember when it was not important for us."