Jurgen Klopp sent Liverpool 'conflict' warning for Sparta Prague and Man City fixtures

Former Liverpool star David James has warned of the "conflict" Jurgen Klopp will face ahead of the clash against Sparta Prague.

The Reds travel to Prague to face the Czech First League leaders in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. Liverpool go into the game after winning their respective group and securing their place in the last 16 without needing to go through the play-off.

Sparta Prague defeated Galatasaray in their play-off tie, winning 4-1 at home in the second leg to overcome a 3-2 deficit from the first leg. Liverpool will know that the game at the Stadion Letna will be a tough game, with the reverse fixture at Anfield taking place next week. The Reds also have the Premier League clash against Manchester City this weekend, and James has spoken about the preparations Klopp will be making for the schedule.

James, who made 277 appearances during his time at Liverpool, has warned that Klopp will be facing a "conflict" when deciding which team to select to face Sparta Prague. However, the former Reds goalkeeper still believes that winning an unprecedented quadruple is very much a possibility for his old club.

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"I think it’s really difficult for managers when they prioritise games, because in doing so, you’re essentially sending a message to your players that one game is less important than the other," James told Lord Ping when asked for Klopp's preparations for Sparta Prague with the Man City fixture looming at the weekend.

"That type of message can blur the lines between what is expected of a player and what isn’t,