Programme notesJürgen Klopp: Let's focus on making the most of the opportunities we've given ourselves

The boss writes: “Obviously we are now in the final months of the season and although the games are running out, we still have so, so much to play for. Reaching this stage in the condition that we are in is not too bad, I would say. Now we just have to focus on making the most of the opportunities that we have given ourselves.

“Of course, one of those opportunities was lost just before the international break when we went out of the FA Cup to Manchester United. This was a disappointing day and no-one at Liverpool FC would argue otherwise, but at the same time it should also remind us of how well we have done to come through so many super-challenging situations up to that point.

“Losing a game is never a nice experience, that is why you do everything you possibly can to avoid that outcome. Unfortunately, it is an occupational hazard in professional football, which means when it does happen you have to take motivation from it and for us that means wanting to strike back in the best way possible.

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“If we have this desire – and I have no doubt that we do – then defeat might close one chapter but it can open some others. This is our aim today.

“At the same time, we know that we are facing an opponent who are never anything other than tricky, to say the least. Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton know how to give us a proper test and I could not respect this more. I have said before that if you love football, you have to admire the football that Brighton play under De Zerbi and I stand by every word.

“The last time we played was back in October and the game could have gone either way. We had a difficult start but worked our way back into it and after taking the lead could have gone on and won it. The game stayed open, though, and Brighton got the equaliser, so it was very much a day for mixed feelings.

“What was clear, though, was that the game was really, really intense. We should expect more of the same today.

“Aside from events on the pitch for us, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to two groups who made incredible use of the international break.

“The first is the LFC Legends team. I was able to catch up with the players before their game against Ajax last weekend and I am so glad that I did because they went on to put on an incredibly memorable performance, coming back from 2-0 down to win 4-2.

“What was clear from meeting them was how strong their bond with Liverpool FC still is. This is something that I love about this club. You might leave Liverpool, but Liverpool will never leave you. I saw this too in Sven-Goran Eriksson, whose affection could not have been more clear. Meeting Sven was one of my moments of the season and now that he is a former Liverpool manager, he takes our love with him.

“The second is the March of the Day participants who completed a 178-mile walk in aid of people with Motor Neurone Disease. This was the very best of football. Former players coming together to show their support for Stephen Darby, Marcus Stewart and others in a similar situation was brilliant in itself. But on top of that you had football stadiums along the route opening their doors and their hearts to all involved.

“That Anfield was the final destination was an honour and a privilege for us but what was clear was that each and every ground showed the very best face of football. This is something that we can all aspire to.”

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