Programme notes'The stakes are high but it's so important we enjoy this'

Jürgen Klopp’s team host Manchester United at Anfield tonight as they turn their attention back to the Premier League title race having reached the Emirates FA Cup final last weekend.

The Reds have just seven games of the league campaign remaining and are sitting one point behind Manchester City at the top of the standings.

In the official matchday programme, the captain writes: “There may be times when one of us has a bad result in this fixture, but anyone who thinks these games are ever easy is kidding themselves. They are anything but.

“Every goal scored and every point gained has to be earned. Anyone who is lucky enough to be involved is totally aware that they are representing their club and their city in one of football’s great rivalries.

“When you know something like this, you have no option but to give your all and this is why the competition between our two clubs is so strong.

“We had a great result at Old Trafford earlier this season, but we know it will count for nothing tonight. We will be starting at 0-0 with everything to play for and in the knowledge that United will want to put things right.

“They have their own aims and objectives for the rest of the season and I’ve no doubt that one of them will be to get a good result of their own at Anfield.

“So we have to be ready for that. Anything else and we will give ourselves problems and the same goes for each and every one of our remaining fixtures. We have to be prepared for anything and everything. It really is that simple.

“The other thing we need to do is enjoy it. I can’t overstate how important this is. Yes, the stakes are high, and yes, there is pressure and tension in every game. But we have to embrace that because this is what all of us are in football for, whether we are players or supporters.

“This really is about enjoying the ride and seeing where it takes us. One of my favourite banners on the Kop says ‘UNITY IS STRENGTH’ and I think that is the key message for what is left of this season. The more unified we are the better.”

• Pick up your copy of the programme at Anfield this evening or order online here