Jurgen Klopp makes new Super League claim as Liverpool prepare for 'fairytale' clash

If there's one rival Premier League boss who can appreciate the surprise progress of Luton Town, it's Jurgen Klopp.

While not quite the meteoric rise that has seen the Hatters go from the Conference to the top flight in less than 10 years, the Liverpool boss experienced his own successful ascent against the odds when starting out his managerial career in Mainz.

Under Klopp's tutelage, the German side were promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history in 2004, and despite having the smallest budget in the league they maintained their place for several years and also earned European qualification.

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Luton face a similar battle to remain in the top flight, and entertain Liverpool on Sunday afternoon having won only one - a 2-1 triumph at Everton in September - of their opening 10 games to drop into the relegation zone alongside fellow promoted sides Burnley and Sheffield United.

And Klopp knows exactly the job on the hands of Hatters boss Rob Edwards. "Is Luton a fairytale? Oh yes, definitely," says the Liverpool manager. "I don't know everything about it, but when I saw last season how the season was going - I always have a look at the Championship because it is interesting, and when I can pick some games up I do that as well - and with all the teams in the Championship, for Luton (to be promoted) is one of these stories you want to have.

"Then the real challenge starts. I was in a similar position when I got promoted with Mainz. Because of that situation, I respect maybe the most what they are doing and respect the most what they are able