Klopp plays down record-breaking Reds as title looms near

Jurgen Klopp

 Klopp steadfastly refuses to allow Liverpool's long-awaited Premier League title celebrations to start, but the opening month of 2020 has underlined the Reds' mastery over their rivals.

Reds boss Klopp could see his side move an astonishing 22 points clear of their closest rivals and defending champions Manchester City on the opening weekend of February, should they beat Southampton and Pep Guardiola's team lose at Tottenham 24 hours later.

But the German played down the mounting tally of statistical landmarks after his side became the quickest ever to rack up 70 points in a season following their comfortable 2-0 win at West Ham on Wednesday.

"I'm not too much concerned about records," he said following Wednesday's 2-0 win at West Ham.

We had a (points) record at Dortmund (in 2011-12) and Bayern beat it the next season. I don't want to be boring. We just don't feel like that."

At the corresponding stage last season, after 24 games, Klopp enjoyed a five-point advantage over Guardiola although February and early March saw his side held to costly draws by West Ham, Manchester United and Everton as they were overhauled by City.

Since that goalless draw with their local rivals Liverpool have dropped just two points in the league, at Manchester United in October.

Southampton visit Anfield on Saturday seeking to become the first club since Leicester, just over a year previously, to take a point from Anfield.