- Jurgen Klopp's side have seen a dramatic change of fortune in 2023
- Liverpool are now two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League
- Watch out Liverpool and Arsenal! Man City are ready to do what they always do and hit top gear at this stage of the season: Listen to It's All Kicking Off
The start of 2023 was one of the most 'terrible' times of Jurgen Klopp's career, with Liverpool entering the year sixth, losing to Brentford and not winning a league match until February 13.
But after overcoming those setbacks – his side also lost twice to Brighton, falling to an agonizing 3-0 defeat at Wolves in that time – the Premier League leaders have gone from strength to strength and Klopp is now toasting the New Year with a near-perfect end to 2023.
“I'm six times happier (than this time last year),” the German said, ahead of Monday's match against Newcastle to start 2024. 'It was a terrible time. We finished sixth and then probably seventh or eighth. It feels better now.
“This team is in the middle of something this season and we're just trying to make the best of it.”
Klopp has been handed an injury boost, with Alexis Mac Allister returning to training for the first time since his knee injury at Sheffield United on December 6.
Jurgen Klopp revealed he now feels 'six times happier' than he did at the start of the year
The Reds currently sit at the top of the table, ahead of Arsenal, who will have the chance to usurp them before the end of 2023.
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Although it was worse than initially feared, the Argentine's cut was still just a nasty impact injury and nothing sinister.
The World Cup winner's return is perfect timing as fellow midfielder Wataru Endo, who has filled his place admirably, will depart after this match to captain Japan in the Asian Cup. Mo Salah also leaves for duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Diogo Jota is fit again and came off the bench to seal the three points at Burnley with an excellent finish on Boxing Day.
Klopp said: 'The return of each of the boys is super important, but Diogo especially.
'His football brain, he is a very smart footballer, he understands the game very well. The sport is blessed with players who really understand the game on a different level and he is one of them.
Klopp hailed the return of 'super important' Diogo Jota after an injury on Boxing Day
Alexis Mac Allister remains an injury doubt but Klopp hopes he can return to Newcastle
Andy Robertson is still not allowed to take part in contact sessions as he returns from injury
'It gives him the opportunity to see situations a little earlier, to adapt a little faster to the different things the opponent does. Moreover, he is ambidextrous, a great finisher.
'I love the Diogo story; he's back and I hope he'll be back for the next ten years!'
Midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who has not played a minute since April, trained alone on Christmas Day and should take part in team sessions in January, while the club are cautious about the return of left-back Andy Robertson after he suffered a dislocated shoulder.
The Scotland captain is keeping fit, but cannot yet participate in contact training.