'We just have to be at our best': Jurgen Klopp bullish on Liverpool cementing their place at the summit of world football... starting with Anfield showdown against Manchester United

  • Manchester United's 27-year stretch as England's richest club is set to end
  • Forecasters say United will earn between £560-580million this season
  • Liverpool could earn £600m if they deliver more Champions League success
  • Jurgen Klopp's champions-elect have dropped just two points this season

Manchester United have been left behind by Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in the hunt for Premier League glory — and are about to be overhauled by their bitter rivals as England's biggest earning club.

United's league dominance ended a long time ago but they head for Anfield on Sunday with their 27-year stretch as England's richest club coming to an end.

On the pitch, Klopp's champions-elect have dropped just two points in their opening 21 matches, are unbeaten in the Premier League for 38 matches and the German insists there isn't a club in the world who would want to face the Reds at Anfield right now.

On the field, Liverpool have dropped just two points from their opening 21 matches

On the field, Liverpool have dropped just two points from their opening 21 matches

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are set to end Manchester United's off-the-field dominance

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are set to end Manchester United's off-the-field dominance

'If we are at our best then it's really difficult for each team in the world,' said Klopp on the eve of Sunday's eagerly-awaited clash. 


'It means we don't have to be concerned about different things, we just have to be at our best. If we are, it's difficult for other teams.'

It isn't looking good off the pitch for the beleagured Old Trafford club either. 

And the club could bring in around £600million if they deliver more Champions League glory

And the club could bring in around £600million if they deliver more Champions League glory

Forecasters say United will earn between £560-580million this season, depending on Europa League progress — but Liverpool could rake in almost £600m if they can deliver more Champions League success.

It's further proof that the balance of Premier League power has shifted dramatically and with United in decline, the gulf between the two sworn rivals is likely to get bigger still. 

Liverpool will go 16 points clear in the title race if they can beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men on Sunday afternoon — and that would put them a staggering 30 points ahead of fifth-placed United.

Klopp is only too aware what this high-octane fixture means to the fans and he hopes this does not spill over on the pitch.

Manchester United are set to earn between £560-580million depending on European progress

Manchester United are set to earn between £560-580million depending on European progress

'We always build it up as Liverpool v United and you have to learn to deal with that situation,' he says. 'In the good old times, you saw it was a special fixture because everyone flew at each other and they kicked each other off the pitch.

'I don't want to see that. If anyone asks us for that, no chance. We want to win the game, we don't want to win one little battle here or there. 

'We understand being aggressive in a completely different way to our grandfathers. If we hurt someone, it's ourselves and not the other one. You have to find solutions on the pitch and for that, you need a clear mindset, and an outstanding atmosphere.'

Not that Klopp wishes to dial down the intensity. 'It's our stadium, in our place and we have to make sure everybody knows that before the first whistle,' he added.

Klopp has insisted that Liverpool will not dial down the intensity at Anfield on Sunday either

Klopp has insisted that Liverpool will not dial down the intensity at Anfield on Sunday either