Liverpool are still dangerous opponents even if their squad is suffering from fatigue after their penalty shootout win in the Super Cup, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuettl said on Thursday.
Liverpool’s Super Cup game against Chelsea in Istanbul on Wednesday went into extra time and penalties and a number of players looked tired after 120 minutes on the pitch, with manager Juergen Klopp admitting that it was a demanding game.
“I heard the message from Juergen that he thought we would celebrate, (that) … they were playing longer,” Hasenhuettl told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game.
“I was happy, but mostly because of the reason I have more pictures to show my players. Last year Liverpool I think played 13 times in the week and, in the 13 times they played at the weekend, they won 11 and drew two.
“This team has so much quality, and Juergen tries to put out maybe a little bit of an excuse for the fitness from his players. It’s not a problem for them after 120 minutes on the Wednesday to come here and make a good game.”
Southampton lost 3-0 at Burnley in their Premier League opener last weekend and Hasenhuettl said they had a “busy intense week” ahead of the European champions’ visit.
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