"It's no secret..." - Klopp gives Arteta verdict ahead of Arsenal's Anfield trip

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on Arsenal and Mikel Arteta ahead of their clash on Sunday.

The Gunners head to Anfield with an eight point lead on second placed Manchester City who have a game in hand and victory over Liverpool will be huge in the race for the title.

The Reds' nightmare season continued with a 4-1 defeat to City recently and they look to be out of contention for the top four.

Their boss Jurgen Klopp praised Mikel Arteta in his pre-match press conference and spoke about Arsenal's successful rebuild which he could look to imitate.

What did he say?

"I know people ask for more time for managers and I think Mikel deserved every minute when it wasn't going well because they are there now," Klopp explained.

"They made good transfers, pretty stable, brought in super important players but not too many."

It's set to be a fierce clash at Anfield with form usually going out of the window for Liverpool when they host a big team at home in the league.

Klopp seemed confident and agreed the atmosphere would help them but that it wasn't something his team should rely on.

"It is not the only thing we should rely on. But it is no secret that the combination of our people, the ground and the boys is pretty good," he added.

"That is what we have to throw in, but not rely on it. I have a very good feeling we can do it."

It's real role reversals this season for both sides with Arsenal missing out on the top four last year and Liverpool finishing just a point behind champions City.

Whilst the Reds can still make a final push to qualify for the Champions League they may have to settle for Europa League or Europa Conference League football next season.

The rebuild is firmly on for them but supporters are confident in Klopp's ability.

Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Premier League

Will Evans

Sports journalist with experience writing for local and national titles.

@WillEvo20