Fulham Head Coach Scott Parker says Fulham need to find a balance at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Premier League champions Liverpool have lost their previous five home matches – a club record – but still boast a plethora of world class talent.
When asked, though, if it could be a good time to play the Reds, Parker replied: “It certainly could be. At the same time, you’re playing a wounded animal.
“You’re playing against a team who are obviously, at this moment in time, in a bit of a tricky spell. That’s clear to see, but we need to be very, very wary of that.
“When you’re playing against a wounded animal that has the class and the quality that Liverpool possess, then you need to tread very, very carefully, while also understanding that if you approach the game in the right manner and you can assert yourself into certain moments of this football match, maybe you have a chance.
“I think it’s probably in between both of those stalls. We’ve got huge respect for this team we’re playing against, but we’re also understanding where they are.
“As always, we’ll try and put a stamp on this game and get something out of it.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Parker in his pre-match press conference, describing Fulham’s play as “exceptional.”
“I’ve not seen [the quotes], but that’s unbelievable in terms of hearing it from someone who I have the utmost respect for, someone who’s come into a top football club and really transformed them,” Parker said. “And it’s big to say that when you consider the stature of Liverpool.
“When you’re a young manager I’m always looking at every manager I come up against, what makes them so special, and Jurgen is one of those guys.
“He’s done a fantastic job and is certainly someone I hold in that sort of regard.”
Fulham go into the weekend’s fixtures three points from safety but with plenty of wind in our sails.
And Parker was asked just what it would mean to him to keep the Whites in the Premier League.
“I think it would be a great achievement for all of us, for the team, for the players, for the football club,” he stated.
“As a football club, for the individuals in this team, for me and my staff, we all fit the bracket that this year it would be massive for all of us to stay in the league, and that’s our dying ambition.
“It’s mine, it’s mine for the football club, for the fans, but as individuals, as players, this is where you want to be operating.
“We’ve had a taste of that and we want more of that. It would be a big achievement for all of us.”