Jurgen Klopp Names Liverpool's 'Next Proper Challenger' In Premier League

Jurgen Klopp said Carlo Ancelotti-managed Everton can become Liverpool’s "next proper challenger" in the Premier League on Friday ahead of the Merseyside Derby.

Everton are the only side to remain unbeaten after four matches in the 2020-21 Premier League and are at the top of the table, while Klopp’s Liverpool are placed fifth with three wins in four games. Just before the international break went underway last month, defending champions Liverpool suffered an embarrassing 7-2 loss to Aston Villa.

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Everton, which is scheduled to take place Saturday at the Goodison Park, Klopp heaped praise on Ancelotti, who replaced Marco Silva as Everton’s manager in the middle of the 2019-20 season last year. Having won league titles in Italy, Germany, France, and England - with Chelsea in 2009-10, Ancelotti is a well-respected figure in the soccer fraternity. He also has three Champions Leagues to his name as a manager.

"What I think about Carlo Ancelloti was never a secret. I couldn't respect him more. He's a wonderful human being. When I heard he was going to sign for Everton I thought 'Uhhh, the next proper challenger in line'. They did the perfect business in the summer. They found exactly the players that they needed to improve an already pretty good football team. Together, getting more used to what Carlo wants them to do makes them a pretty strong team," Klopp told BBC Football Focus.

Everton have not finished higher than No. 7 in the Premier League since the 2013-14 season. Last campaign, the Goodison Road side finished 12th. However, Ancelotti ensured the Goodison Road side finished 12th. However, Ancelotti ensured he strengthened his side at the summer transfer window. They added James Rodriguez, Allan, and Abdoulaye Doucoure to their side this summer and Everton have not lost a game in the ongoing 2020-21 season, having played seven matches.