LIVERPOOL FC
Claude Puel has made Leicester City more efficient while still retaining their identity as a ruthless counter-attacking team, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said of his Foxes counterpart ahead of today's Premier League clash at Anfield.
Frenchman Puel has led Leicester to five wins and three draws in 11 games since taking charge in October, adding possession play and crisp passing to Leicester's counter-punching DNA.
Klopp is well aware of Leicester's progress and pointed to striker Jamie Vardy's brilliant goal in last week's 2-2 draw with Manchester United as an example of the fluid interplay between their attackers.
"We didn't make the analysis so far but I saw the Manchester United game - they really play football now. They are still a wonderful counter-attacking team," Klopp said.
"They are fine-tuned and a good football-playing side. That may be the biggest change since Claude Puel was in."
Puel is up for the challenge of shooting down Klopp's side.
"They are a great team with good defenders, midfield and attacking players," he said. "They are a complete team. We have to look after our play and try to play our game against them.
"We had good opportunities and good results recently against big teams like against Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham. We like the big occasion."