Klopp Warns Liverpool Defenders About Vardy Threat
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leicester City, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned his defenders about the threat posed by the in-form Jamie Vardy.
Liverpool’s defenders did not cover themselves in glory on Wednesday night against Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield when they threw away a three-goal lead before eventually getting the winner through Mohamed Salah to emerge 4-3 victors.
Klopp was not enthused about his side’s defending on the night, and has warned a repeat performance will lead to serious repercussions befalling them on Saturday when third-placed Leicester City, with red-hot Vardy in their ranks, come visiting in the Premier League.
“I’m sure Brendan Rodgers thinks if we protect like we did tonight then Jamie Vardy will probably run through five times alone on the goalkeeper,” Klopp told reporters.
“Christian Fuchs was here as a pundit and all of the others [Leicester players] were on the sofa and watched the game, so that’s slightly different preparation for that game.
“For tonight, it’s done, but the job will be similar on Saturday and we have only three days to recover.”
Vardy has thrived under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who took over the Foxes in March, scoring 14 goals in 17 Premier League games since the Northern Irishman’s appointment.
Vardy’s goals under Rodgers include five in the Premier League this season as Leicester City threaten to infiltrate the traditional top six.
With Liverpool and Manchester City going neck-to-neck for the Premier League title, the rest of the European spots are up for grabs as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs all struggle for consistency.
