Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino stated that the team will be focused on securing a crucial victory but expect a nostalgic environment when they play Liverpool at Anfield.
Following Juergen Klopp’s declaration that he will leave Merseyside at the end of the season, Pochettino said his team will not be going there for a farewell party
When league play returns on Wednesday after the FA Cup break, Chelsea will be looking to make it four straight wins in the Premier League.
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During that break, Klopp announced his resignation from Liverpool after nine years in charge.
“It’s a special game for him. Until the end, it’s going to be special always,” Pochettino told a press conference on Tuesday.
“Every time they play at Anfield, it’s going to be a party always, to celebrate, and to give him all the love the fans feel for him, and I think it’s deserved.
“But we need to go there and win the game.
“Sorry, but we don’t want to be involved or be part of the celebration.
“We want to perform well and win the game.”
The Argentine, however, hoped that the German’s break from coaching would not be long.
“He is a coach, a person I am going to miss.
“I love to watch him on the touchline and the team he manages,” Pochettino said.
“I hope he’s only away for months, maybe one year, then he comes back.”
The teams will square off once more at Wembley on February 25 in the League Cup final.
Malo Gusto, a defender for Chelsea, and Christopher Nkunku, a midfielder, are expected to rejoin the team on Wednesday.
Nkunku has been back in training since suffering a hip problem earlier in the month.
“I think it’s good news that Malo Gusto and Christoph can be in the squad for tomorrow. Travel with us, with the team,” Pochettino said.
“We will wait for the last moment, but at the moment, yes, it’s good news to have two players recovered.”
The 51-year-old also mentioned that centre back Trevoh Chalobah, who has been sidelined since the start of the season due to thigh issues, may not be fully recovered in time for the match, and that striker Nicolas Jackson might possibly be available.
Levi Colwill, an England defender, will miss time due to a minor tendon injury.
“It’s not a big issue but he is going to be out for tomorrow,” Pochettino said.
The manager was not anticipating a lot of movement in the transfer market as deadline day drew near, despite not having a whole team available.
“I am not excited for Thursday. Not too many things are going to happen. We are quiet, the market is quiet,” he said.
“At the moment, we are all relaxed about the whole situation of the squad.”