Jurgen Klopp hails Rafa Benitez has 'one of best managers in the world' ahead of Newcastle's visit to Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp's paid a warm tribute to Rafa Benitez ahead of their meeting at a freezing Anfield.
Rafa BenitezRafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez

Newcastle United side take on third-placed Liverpool in a televised game tomorrow evening.

And Klopp has spoken about the qualities of Benitez, who won the Champions League during his tenure at Anfield.

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"Rafa Benitez is one of the best managers in the world," said Klopp. "You all know how he can organise a team to make life difficult.

“We know who is coming – a Liverpool legend is coming, Rafa Benitez, one of the best managers in the world.

"We all know how he works, how he can organise a team, how he can make your life really difficult. I like him as a person, but I actually think we’ve given enough presents already to him since I have been in.

"(We were) 2-0 up in the home game when we played them (and it finished 2-2). And at Newcastle (when it finished 1-1), I think even Rafa knew it was a little bit lucky for them.

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“We need to be really focused, really concentrated on the game and it will be interesting again.”

Liverpool manager Klopp is expecting a difficult game against 15th-placed Newcastle, who are battling to stay in the Premier League.

"Newcastle are on a really good run," said Klopp. "They're really organised and have a specific way to play and make it as difficult as possible for the other team.

"We have to make sure we can defend and cause them problems."