Jurgen Klopp has said he took the Liverpool job because it was the right one, not the easiest one, and that it would need David Copperfield to conjure an immediate transformation at Anfield.

Liverpool head to Aston Villa tomorrow in ninth position having taken five points from a possible 18 in 2016 and with hopes of a second Wembley appearance this season dashed by West Ham United in the FA Cup. Klopp has had to navigate a way through a demanding fixture schedule with an extensive injury list, guiding Liverpool to the League Cup final in the process, and call for compromise between the owner, Fenway Sports Group, and supporters over the ticket price controversy.

No surprises

He insists, however, that Liverpool have held no surprises since he replaced Brendan Rodgers in October and his early experiences will prove invaluable for the future.

“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.

“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is okay. It is about work. If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear.

“I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.”

Confidence

Klopp will be helped by the return of Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi from injury. But before Christian Benteke's return to Villa for the first time since his move to Liverpool, the manager admits the striker is struggling for self-belief.

Benteke has not scored in 11 appearances, with his last goal coming at Sunderland on December 30th.

“In parts it was much better at West Ham because he was in a lot of situations,” said Klopp. “He is waiting for all his skills to come back but we speak about it like it is an illness. It is not. It is a situation and you can solve the problem on the pitch or in training.” Guardian Service