Jurgen Klopp: 'I have respect for Arsene Wenger'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he is looking forward to going up against Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger when their respective clubs meet on Sunday.

At one stage, it appeared that Arsenal may replace Wenger in the dugout, but the Frenchman has remained in North London after signing a new two-year contract.

Klopp has questioned the long-standing criticism of Wenger, and says that he is full of respect for his opposite number, who is closing in on 21 years at Arsenal.

The 50-year-old is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "Arsene loves what he is doing and obviously he has all the energy he thinks he needs to do it.

"He is the only person that can judge this - apart from the board at Arsenal and they think the same, which is why they extended his contract. Then [sometimes] you can get the feeling that people don't want you there anymore. I don't understand this but I am not in the situation.

"The only thing I can say is that I respect him a lot. I really respect all the things he has done in the past, not just for Arsenal, but for football in general. He is a big, big manager in the history of the Premier League - and football - and he has all the power he still needs. I'm happy he is still there and we meet again on Sunday."

Liverpool currently sit one point clear of Arsenal in the Premier League table.