Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, has expressed “huge respect” for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for turning around his fortunes at the Emirates Stadium.
The German is also impressed by Arsenal’s attacking talent, and he has heaped praise on the north London club ahead of Sunday’s clash between the Premier League titans.
Arsenal, the Reds’ opponents this weekend, currently lead the Premier League, having won seven of their eight league games so far.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is ninth in the league after just two wins, 11 points behind the leaders despite having a game in hand.
The game at the Emirates will be a good litmus test for Arteta’s team, as they were defeated by another top six contender, Manchester United, before the international break.
Regardless of the outcome of the game, Klopp believes the Gunners are a team to be admired, given their rise from last season’s relegation to the top of the Premier League table.
“All my respect, wow!” Klopp told the media ahead of the game.
“Really good job from Mikel. When you need time, nobody wants to give you it. I have to say, a lot of respect.”
He continued: “A lot of talent…Martinelli, I was excited about him early, Odegaard, I spoke to him at 15 in Norway with his dad. Saka… ooof!
“And Gabriel Jesus, Mikel could see how good he could be not in a Man City shirt. Thomas Partey, everyone saw how good he was at Atletico Madrid. Lots of quality.
