Klopp advises Potter to shut out the noise as Liverpool manager reaches 1,000th match milestone

Jurgen Klopp has advised Graham Potter to shut out the noise of his critics, as the Liverpool manager prepares to face Chelsea in his 1,000th game.

The German will reach four figures in his coaching career when his under-fire side face their fellow struggling heavyweights at Anfield on Saturday.

Klopp has largely weathered criticism of a difficult season with the Reds due to past successes, but Potter is struggling to keep fans onside after succeeding Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

In reflecting on his own lengthy career, though, the Liverpool boss offered his opposite number advice about ignoring those not in the know, particularly on social media.

“Twenty-two years ago, when I became a manager, nobody had smartphones,” he said. “There was much less [instant] information. I watched games on a video recorder.

“If you wanted to hear what the outside world thought, you had to ask somebody or read a newspaper. It was easy [to avoid].

Back in Premier League action at Anfield this weekend #LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/93AHVm1Nlz

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“I’m interested in criticism, I’m interested in people who really care. But I’m sorry to say, from all of you, I couldn’t care less. Why should I be concerned about what you say?

“[With] social media, all these people without any kind of knowledge [are allowed to sound off]. When I was [starting out], people had to write a letter to the newspaper.

“I really think the best advice [I can give] is to ignore the outside world. They have no clue about your situation.”

On reaching his 1,000th game, Klopp acknowledged he feels lucky to hit the milestone, paying tribute to Liverpool and former clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.

“I never thought about these kinds of numbers,” he added. “I never would have thought I would be allowed to do [this] for that long.

“I’ve obviously had three fantastic clubs that gave me the opportunity to do the job. When you come in somewhere, you never know how it will go. I was really lucky.”

Klopp also confirmed Darwin Nunez would be available for the match with Chelsea after his absence against Brighton and Wolves, simply telling reporters when asked: “Yes.”