Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hits back critics pre Maribor

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Liverpool are preparing to take on Slovenian's Maribor in the Champions League
Jurgen Klopp's side desperately need to get back on the winning track
The Reds trail behind Sevilla in Group E with two points from a possible six
Klopp had hit back at criticisms of his recent winning record with his team
Defender Dejan Lovren insists Liverpool are up for the test and back to their best

Published: 13:03 EDT, 16 October 2017 | Updated: 13:43 EDT, 16 October 2017

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hit back at critics on the eve of his side's Champions League clash with Maribor.

The Reds are heading back onto the European stage following their goalless stalemate with bitter rivals Manchester United, knowing a victory is crucial if they are to press ahead and qualify from Group E.

While the Reds have displayed flair and attacking intent in recent weeks, their inability to kill off games has become a point of contention.

Jurgen Klopp smiles during Liverpool's training session as his side prepare to face Maribor

Dejan Lovren (left) watches on as Philippe Coutinho takes possession during the session

Mohamed Salah will be hoping Liverpool can claim a first Champions League win of the season

Outperforming their opponents yet consistently drawing games, Liverpool have been questioned by many regarding their clinical edge.

When asked by a reporter whether he is a top coach who doesn't win enough crucial game, Klopp was perplexed.

'So you are saying I am a charismatic, funny loser?' the German responded in deadbeat manner.

'We're confident. We're in a good moment. It's still easy to remember how hard we fought to be in the Champions League,' Klopp added.

Turning his attention to the next opposition at hand, Klopp admitted Maribor will provide a resilient test and will dig in hard to get a result.

'In some moments they will be compact and together. We need to be ready for this. It needs to be a high intensity game.'

Lovren played the full match as Liverpool secured a goalless draw with Manchester United

Klopp and his coaching staff watched on as Liverpool geared up ahead of Tuesday's match

The Liverpool manager didn't take kindly to claims he is a top coach who doesn't win much

Despite the recent arduous test of United, draining his players both mentally and physically, Klopp insists a midweek Champions League clash is the last game he would consider making squad rotations.

'No chance (of rotating players). This is the last place to do those things.

'The performance on Saturday (against United) should give us confidence. We need to be brave and we need to be concentrated.

Defending his recent record with the Reds, Klopp clarified: 'We've lost two games. One in League Cup, the other to Man City with 10 men. 99% teams in the world would lose to City at the moment,' he added.