Press news in....

Daniel Farke addresses the media ahead of Norwich City v Liverpool. Updates to come from 1.15pm.
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DF: No bad news. Everyone is fit apart from Timm with his long term injury.

DF: It's just the second time we have three fit centre backs available. That says a lot about the problems we've had this season. We're delighted for Ben Godfrey to be back from suspension.

DF: The winter break was too short! In Germany we have 4-5 weeks and I'm lazy! But it was good to be able to calm things down. We had three complete days off but then were back on the training pitch to prepare for the following weeks and months.

DF: We never had a full week to prepare in the Championship. Liverpool have had enough time to prepare as well and will be switched on.

DF: Anfield was a huge task for us but we showed that when we are good at our topics we are competitive. We created chances and should have been more clinical and switched on.

DF: There is always hope. Everything can happen in one game. In 20 games Liverpool will probably win the most, but our game against Man City showed that when we're good at our topics we can beat them.

DF: Liverpool are on fire and the best team in the world. We need an outstanding performance and spirit to have a chance, but if we are then we do.

DF: There's nothing to lose, just something to win.

DF: We have so many inexperienced lads so it's important to have players like Alex Tettey who lead them. He is a role model and has worn the captain's armband several times.

DF: He thinks more about the group than individual awards. In the dressing room and on the training pitch, Alex is very important so we're delighted he decided to sign for another year.

DF: You can't be successful with 11 18-year-olds. You need leaders, and we have Hanley, Krul, Zimmermann and Tettey so we have quite a good mix.

DF: There's no replacement for wins for the mood, confidence and table. We had an unbelievable injury curse at the beginning of the season but you have to back the lads who are available. Now we are in a better position.

DF: The first time we had three centre-backs available we had a clean sheet and a win against Bournemouth. That's no coincidence.

DF: I can't guarantee it's enough to beat Liverpool, but we will definitely try to do that. It's like a free shot tomorrow, because we have to deliver in the following 11 games.

DF: It would be great to get one or three points tomorrow but we also want to enjoy it.

DF: It's important to bring the mental attitude to the group, whether fighting for promotion or relegation. I'm responsible for man management and leading the group. I admire Jurgen Klopp because they were so successful last season but are still so consistent and greedy.

DF: To bring belief we have to be honest and realistic. We know we face Champions League winners who got more than 90 points last season. Liverpool will win the league. To have 24 wins from 25 games says a lot. It's one of the best teams in football history.

DF: Perhaps we will sit here in a few years and look back and call them the best team of all time. It's important to speak about what we can do on the pitch. We had a similar situation against Man City and were able to win, deservedly so.

DF: Teams often choose to sit deep against Liverpool, but they're too strong against that in counter-attacks. If not, they'll score from a set piece with Van Dijk. We have to have periods on the front foot, dominating possession and be fully aware there will be periods we have to be solid defending.

DF: It's always nice to get warm words from people who know what they are speaking about and Klopp is a world class coach. I like that he's complimentary of what we're trying to achieve, but it doesn't make the task easier. He won't come and accept a loss or a draw. He'll be greedy to go further unbeaten.

DF: 9,000 tickets sold for Spurs says a lot about the passion and togetherness in this City. We don't take the support for given considering where we are in the league. It's important to know about the responsibility and pride of working for this amazing club.

DF: Everyone writes us off but the biggest motivation for us to stay in the Premier League is our amazing fans.

DF: I would love to be in a situation to judge whether beating Liverpool was better than Man City! I think it would be a step above, but it doesn't take anything away from the glory against Man City.

DF: Everyone has to be at the top level. Even the stadium's public announcer to get the crowd going!

DF: The future is quite bright. Many people appreciate that we don't lose our nerves and risk the future of the club. When you can spend £20milllion on defenders and strikers it gives you a bigger chance of surviving, but we want to create something special with our opportunities.

DF: When Ben is fully fit there is no doubt he will play because he's a leader. He's so full of potential and we need him in his best shape.

DF: I'm pleased with Grant at the moment. He had some good periods in the Championship, but now he is in his rhythm and has confidence. He still wants to improve and he is. I'm delighted with him and happy for him.

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That's all from the boss this afternoon! Thanks for following today's live blog.

Posted By: DrDublin on February 14th 2020 at 13:49:10

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