Jurgen Klopp says Mikel Arteta is proving a top manager in his limited spell as Arsenal boss so far, transforming the mood around the club.

After a couple of meetings between their sides both resulted in victory for Mikel Arteta, Jurgen Klopp certainly isn’t short on respect for Monday’s adversary.

Of course, there were mitigating circumstances when Arsenal beat Liverpool in July. Klopp’s side had already won the league and had a lot less to play for than the hosts that day.

They also weren’t quite at full strength for the Community Shield, though arguably Arsenal were in an even worse position for that game. But a league clash at Anfield a few weeks into the season is still a totally different prospect.

All the same, Klopp likes what he’s seeing from Arteta’s Arsenal so far.

“He has shown in a short period of time that he seems to be an exceptional football manager,” Klopp said. “The structure of the team he sets up is exceptional – balance between offence and defence is really good. He has changed the whole mood there.”

The Gunners actually face Liverpool twice in a week, returning on Thursday for a League Cup clash. Klopp is glad they’ll at least play both matches at Anfield.

“Thank God we have two home games,” he joked (via Metro). “Sorry, Mikel. You have to come to Liverpool twice, It’s not so bad.

“It will be tough. I’m not sure which cup competition we played Arsenal last year but that was a real rollercoaster as well. 5-5, a penalty shootout.

“I saw the Arsenal game against Leicester, they have a proper line-up, they want to win the competition.”