Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says he’s relieved that Olivier Giroud is set to miss Friday night’s clash at the Emirates because Arsenal usually pick the Frenchman to play ‘long ball’ against his side.
Arsene Wenger is yet to taste victory against Klopp’s Liverpool and have lost three out of four clashes against the Reds since the German arrived at Anfield.
Giroud, 30, is expected to miss the clash on Friday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the a 1-0 League Cup win against West Ham United.
Liverpool’s success against Arsenal since Klopp’s appointment has been down to the high press the Reds adopt against the Gunners.
Wenger dropped Alexis Sanchez for Giroud in last season’s defeat on Merseyside as the Gunners looked to play over Liverpool’s press in an unusually direct style.
Klopp admits he’s relieved that the Frenchman is likely to miss the game and took a sly dig at Arsenal’s style of play against his teams.
‘I’m not sure there are a lot of similarities (between the two teams),’ said Klopp.
‘A lot of the time against us, Giroud played from the beginning.
‘They are able to do everything. They can change styles, they played a lot of long balls against us. Whoever will play, they have a strong side.
‘On one hand we have to defend in the best game we can and if there are any gaps we have to use them. That says a lot of Arsenal’s style against us.’
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