Jurgen Klopp gets Sky Sports reporter in a headlock

'Thank you for the 12:30!'

Liverpool face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with kick off scheduled for the early time of 12:30.

Klopp has previously expressed his frustration when it comes to the early kick off - mainly due to the lack of recovery time his side have in comparison to other clubs.

The Reds boss is even more frustrated this time though as several other his players have only just returned from their commitments with their international sides.

Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson Becker and Luis Diaz are just a few of the players who have made long trips from South America and the rest of the world and have had little time to prepare for a game that could determine if Liverpool are well and truly in the title race.

Speaking about the schedule before his side's 3-0 win against Brentford earlier this month, he said: "How can you put a game like this on Saturday at 12:30pm?

"Honestly, the people making these decisions, they cannot feel football, it's just not possible. And it is the moment where the world pays the most to see a football game."

Ahead of the City clash, Klopp spoke to Sky Sports reporter Vinny O'Connor who got more than he bargained for when he was put into a headlock by the German.

After landing a couple of light punches on O'Connor, Klopp then exclaimed: "Thank you for the 12:30!"

Both then exchanged laughs between each other before O'Connor joked that Klopp's challenge was worthy of a red card.

A win win for Liverpool will see them leapfrog Pep Guardiola's side and take top spot.

Related links:

• Man United could be banned from Champions League
• Planned X-rated chant for Man United v Everton forcing Sky Sports to reduce crowd volume
• Roberto Firmino exposes frosty Mo Salah and Sadio Mane relationship