Jurgen Klopp talked about the threat posed by Chelsea striker Diego Costa as he prepares for Liverpool’s big game this weekend.
This weekend will see Liverpool take on Chelsea in a blockbuster between two of the most impressive sides so far this season, barring the Reds’ early hiccup against Burnley.
One of the players who looks all set to play a big role in the game is Blues striker Diego Costa. Ahead of the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his admiration for the Spaniard, saying that he was nearly unstoppable last week.
“If other supporters love you, it’s not a good sign!” said Klopp, according to thisisanfield.
“He’s a real warrior on the pitch. He uses his body all the time, that’s a quality.
“He was nearly unstoppable against Swansea [City on Sunday].
“It was a good game with the whole team, but I would say he could have been Man of the Match in this game. He’s strong, no doubt.”
After enduring a poor season for Chelsea last time around, Costa is back to his clinical best under new manager Antonio Conte. The Brazil-born striker has been involved in the most goals in the Premier League so far, scoring four and assisting another.
The Blues managed to hold on to Costa despite some unrelenting interest from his former club Atletico Madrid, and he has now further cemented his position as their No. 1 striker. Chelsea haven’t had to rely too much on new £33 million signing Michy Batshuayi because of Costa’s form.
Antonio Conte has also hailed Diego Costa and it seems like any doubts over the Spaniard’s future under the Italian have been put to rest. The striker recently spoke wistfully about a return to the Vicente Calderon, but was quick to add that he was more than happy at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool travel to the Bridge after a convincing 4-1 victory over defending champions Leicester City, while the Pensioners were held to a 2-2 draw by Swansea City in a match where Costa scored both goals.
It is set to be an intriguing encounter as two managers who were dominant in their native countries these past few years will come head to head in the Premier League.