Premier League English

Sir Kenny Dalglish has full faith in Jurgen Klopp

Defending champions Liverpool are 33 points worse off than at this stage last season and sit 22 points behind leaders Manchester City in sixth place.

Reds boss Klopp has had to struggle with a mitigating injury list this season, noticeably in defence, yet he retains the full backing of former Reds boss Sir Kenny Dalglish.

“A tape is not long enough to measure what belief we have in Jurgen,” Dalglish told Sky Sports News.

“He has been fantastic for the football club. This is the time, after it had all been going so well, when he really needs people around him.

“He’s got things in perspective. When he was getting success he was sharing it with everybody else, cuddling the players and waving to the crowd. He never got carried away.

“We are where we are. We’ve just got to get on with it and try to finish as high [in the Premier League] and be as successful as we can in the Champions League.”

Liverpool snapped a four-game losing streak in the Premier League winning over Sheffield United, and a win over the Blues on Thursday will lift them into the top four.

Chelsea have managed to maintain an unbeaten record under Thomas Tuchel and Dalglish feels a Liverpool win would give his former side a big psychological boost.

“It’s a huge game for both teams,” he said. “They’re both chasing the same goal, to try and get in the top four and the Champions League.

“Given a bit of time, we’ll be back in the frame. We’re coming back off a good result at Sheffield United.

“We’ll keep our fingers crossed. They know what they’re in for, I’m sure they’ll be well up for the fight.”

Dalglish celebrated his 70th birthday on Wednesday and, to honour the milestone, the Dalglish family have set up the 7Appeal which will raise funds to support young families in Liverpool who urgently require baby basics.

The appeal runs until the end of the month and is a collaborative effort between the club, Red Neighbours and the Dalglish family, with the LFC Foundation facilitating fundraising.