Jurgen Klopp insists there will be no let-up from his Liverpool side after they secured their first league title in 30 years, revealing he has been inspired by the hunger of New Zealand's All Blacks to keep pushing to be the best.
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Liverpool were handed the title when Manchester City lost to Chelsea last Thursday, and it is to City that Liverpool head this Thursday, when they can expect a guard of honour from Pep Guardiola's men.
But though the Premier League trophy is on its way to Anfield, Klopp promised his players would not be easing off after utterly dominating the season to date.
And Klopp revealed the relentless approach was something he learned from watching a documentary about the All Blacks.
"As long as you wear the shirt, less than 100 per cent is never allowed," he said. "That's not my phrase. Fifteen or sixteen years ago I saw a really nice documentary about the All Blacks and I kept that for myself.
"And that's for each LFC player and for me. That's what we try to live. Sometimes unfortunately it's not all the time because we are human beings.
"Life is constantly a challenge. Our challenge now is to be a champion and to play seven games against teams who are fighting for everything. We can show we don't win because we have to, but because we want to."
Klopp promised that attitude would continue next season, with one Premier League trophy not enough to satisfy the hunger of the manager or his players.
"We will not defend the title next season, we will attack the next one," he said. "I have learned that when you think you have reached the pinnacle you are already on the way down.
"We don't feel that. I don't feel satisfied. This is just another step, a big one, an unbelievably big one, but it's not the only thing I want to talk to the boys about when I meet them in 20 years' time."
Liverpool visit second-placed Manchester City in the league on Thursday (Friday AEST) at Etihad Stadium.
Australian Associated Press
