Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook has admitted his admiration for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Former Marine player Cook is an avid Reds supporter, as well as a coach who is looking on at a fellow professional in awe.

He told the Blood Red for a special podcast, “You see the energy of Liverpool's two full-backs and you see the average position of the two centre-halves - they're not defending on their 18-yard box, that is for sure.

“You look at how hard the midfield three work covering the ground and recovering the ball.

“And the front three - it's the perfect team, and it's so good to watch.

“You're looking and thinking how can you get your own team to play like that?

“They dominate the ball so well and they're in sync with what they want to achieve.

“They're at their best when they're doing everything at a high tempo, but in their own time.

“It's as near to perfect as you'll see - this is a really special team.

“They'll feel tired like every other team but what they have got - the biggest factor of all - is the mental strength and belief that they are going to be successful.

“And when you have got that, and you have quality players, you gain strength from that."