Jurgen Klopp sends witty warning to Newcastle United staff member ahead of Liverpool clash

Newcastle United pulled off a massive coup when they poached first-team analyst Mark Leyland from Liverpool in December.

Leyland reunited with Eddie Howe late last year having previously worked together at Burnley.

Having spent eight years at Anfield and worked closely with Jurgen Klopp, Leyland arguably knows Liverpool better than most outside the Merseyside club. And doesn’t Klopp know it.

Ahead of the Premier League meeting between the two sides on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm), Klopp couldn’t resist a joke about Leyland’s role on Tyneside.

‘I have to say, Mark...’

The German manager said: “They are obviously in a really good moment and Eddie (Howe) has played a massive part in it. They signed one of our analysts (Mark Leyland). For sure, he has played a big part as well.

“I have to say, ‘Mark, if you see this, we’ll play a completely different team!’”

Asked about Leyland during his pre-matc press conference, Howe said: "Like all my staff, he’s had a big impact.

He’s played a huge part in what we’ve done this season. He’s one of a number of people behind the scenes that have put a tireless amount of work in to try and improve the team.

“We love him to bits. He’s been an integral part of our team."

Klopp full of praise for Newcastle

Klopp went on to praise the transfer business Howe & Co conducted in January, labelling the additions of Chris Wood, Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett (loan) and Dan Burn as “smart”.

The 54-year-old is anticipating a tough game as his side look to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title.

Indeed, Klopp referenced the previous meeting at St James’ Park in front of fans when Divock Origi scored a late winner in a 3-2 victory in May 2019.

“They’ve done really well, signed good players, Klopp said. “The power Newcastle is now, there has been a lot of change.

“This season, they’ve made smart moves and added stability to the players that were there before.

“It’s really good to see what little changes can make.

“It will be a difficult one for us. It’s similar to a few years ago when we played in a semi-final and then in Newcastle when Divock Origi scored.

“It was one of those games where I didn’t understand what exactly was Newcastle’s problem, why do they not like us so much?

“The whole stadium was on fire and we have to expect that as well on Saturday. It will be tough but we have to make sure we are ready for that.”