I Have Missed Football – Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he is “really happy to be back” to watch his “wonderful football team again” as they continue preparations for the Premier League’s return on 17 June.

Klopp’s side are 25 points clear at the top of the table and chasing the club’s first league title for 30 years.

The Premier League was suspended on 13 March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have missed it so much it’s unbelievable,” Klopp told the BBC.

“I know it’s not the most important thing in life but it is my passion. I hope the people are looking forward to it because we are.”

Liverpool could clinch the title with victory in their first game back if Manchester City lose to Arsenal in one of two games scheduled to take place on 17 June, before the first full round of matches the following weekend.

Klopp said there was still “a lot of work to do” and Liverpool “want to win as many games as possible”.

“It’s nice to think about it but we are not champions yet and we know that,” he added. “We know we are close but close is not there. There are 27 points left for us and we will try everything to take them all.

“We are still not champions. We have to play football games and we have to win them.

“We don’t want to stop winning after two games or whatever it is. I don’t see results written in the stars; we have to work really hard.”

Premier League players returned to contact training from 28 May but will continue to be tested twice a week for coronavirus.