Jose Mourinho has proven he has risen above criti cism and bounced back to stake his claim as being a top manager after guiding Tottenham Hotspur to the Premier League summit, Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp said on Tuesday.

Spurs have the best defensive record in the league and are ahead of reigning champions Liverpool on goal difference going into Wednesday’s top-of-the-table clash at Anfield.

Although Spurs have been accused of being a defensive, counter-attacking team, Klopp said there was more to their game than meets the eye.

“He (Mourinho) showed obviously some comeback skills, if it was that. Very impressive, what he has done at Tottenham,” Klopp told reporters. “The way they play this year is really good, he turned them into a result machine... Counter-attack is not their only strategy, they are a proper footballing side.

“Harry Kane drops (deep) in a way Roberto Firmino has done. Quick wingers... A very offensive midfielder in (Tanguy) Ndombele, then very strong midfielders behind. That is football, you cannot be top of the league with only counter-attacking.”

Klopp is wary of Spurs’ goalscoring duo of Son Heung-min and Kane — who have a combined 19 goals and 14 assists in the league — but pointed out they were not the only threats in the side.

The Liverpool manager said defender Joel Matip was doubtful for the clash due to back spasms.

Pep support

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has backed former assistant Mikel Arteta to turn Arsenal’s fortunes around despite the club’s dismal start to the season.

“Arsenal don’t have a better manager that can lead this club in this year and the next,” Guardiola said.