Jurgen Klopp admits he is expecting a tough test when Liverpool face an ‘incredibly strong’ Newcastle team in the Premier League this weekend.
Liverpool travel to face Newcastle in an early season match up between the top four contenders at St James’ Park, with the latter backed for another strong season under the management of Eddie Howe.
The Magpies will compete in the Champions League for the first time in more than two decades this season after finishing above Liverpool to secure a top-four finish last season, and Klopp has been impressed with Newcastle’s ‘super development’ under Howe.
The German praised the club’s recent recruitment and said Liverpool are braced for a difficult challenge in the North East this weekend.
“Incredibly strong team, in the Champions League and fully deserved with super development under Eddie Howe and smart business,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes are really good business; they have a super intense style and massive atmosphere there so this is a tough one for sure.
“They played a really good first game where Aston Villa were good as well, the result didn’t reflect the full game.”