After José Mourinho’s snarl, Sir Alex Ferguson’s caustic put downs and Arsène Wenger’s repeated claims of failing eyesight, it’s hard not to warm to the manic laugh of Jürgen Klopp.

“Win the league? HA!! You’re crazy.”

No, Jürgen. You’re crazy. But it’s OK. In fact, his off-kilter passion has been a breath of fresh air. Here is a man wired a little different.

However, there is clearly method involved too, not to mention a fierce competitive streak. You only need to look at his response to being asked whether he has made a good start to his time in charge of Liverpool.

“I would really like to change my personality, but I can’t forget this f****** lose [sic] to Crystal Palace.”

Cue laughter in the media room. Except, looking at the dark storm that had suddenly engulfed his face, he wasn’t joking. His quick exit suggested he had retreated to his office to throw darts at a picture of Roberto Firmino for allowing Scott Dann to score the winner.

Life at Melwood, I suspect, is good as long as you’re matching the boss’s effort and desire for winning matches.

It probably explains why Liverpool did not stop at three against Southampton in midweek. With his side only six points off the top, beware the madman.

11am kick off unless stated

Tomorrow’s games

Stoke City v Manchester City

8.45am

City’s win at Southampton was their first victory in five, and the invincible nature of that early-season form has gone. Going forward they remain exciting, but there are issues at the back.

That said, they’re still top and Stoke have won only two league games at home.

Prediction: 1-2

Arsenal v Sunderland

Santi Cazorla has been ruled out for three months with a knee problem, and he joins Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck, Francis Coquelin and Alexis Sánchez on the sidelines.

It’s a trend that will worry Arsenal fans, especially with Sunderland’s improved results. A hard-fought win for Wenger.

Prediction: 2-1

Man United v West Ham United

United’s dour recent displays mean there are plenty of restless Old Trafford natives, but the visit of West Ham should give the team room to express themselves — and for Anthony Martial to stretch his legs once again.

Another drab draw will not go down well, and Slaven Bilic appears to relish the underdog status.

Prediction: 2-0

Southampton v Aston Villa

Graziano Pellè is back from suspension to face a Villa side who have lost their past six away games.

Ronald Koeman will demand a response from the mauling in midweek, and it’s hard to predict anything other than a home victory.

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea City v Leicester City

Jamie Vardy has the chance to equal the real record this week. If he scores for the twelfth game in succession he will go level with Jimmy Dunne’s run with Sheffield United achieved 83 years ago.

He has a great chance given Swansea’s stodgy form.

Prediction: 1-2

Watford v Norwich City

Three league wins in five for Watford, and they seem to be hold their own better than fellow promoted side Norwich. However, the problem the home team have is they have scored just four at home, while Norwich are fresh off a 1-1 draw against injury-hit Arsenal.

Prediction: 1-0

West Brom v Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are unbeaten in 13 and looked weary against Chelsea, although they still bagged a point.

A period of rest should see them take on West Bromwich with renewed verve, and with Dele Alli restored to the starting line-up.

Prediction: 0-2

Chelsea v Bournemouth

1.30pm

Thibaut Courtois is back in contention after injury, which will likely mean that Asmir Begovic’s run in goal will come to an end.

Diego Costa’s sulk also appears to be over, and he is likely to return to the starting 11, although his trip to a nightclub on Wednesday night will not have gone down well.

Bournemouth’s porous defence will cost them.

Prediction: 2-0

Sunday’s game

Newcastle v Liverpool

Noon

One defeat in 11 games is evidence enough that Klopp has had the desired effect at Anfield, although the team’s emerging swagger is more impressive. If they play with the same intensity and ruthlessness as they did in beating Southampton 6-1, Newcastle’s bunch of increasingly hapless misfits are in trouble.

Prediction: 0-3

Monday’s game

Everton v Crystal Palace

4pm

Gerard Deulofeu is emerging as a genuine star, with plenty of assists to his name this season. Barcelona will be monitoring that buy-back clause. He is part of a young team taking shape nicely under Roberto Martínez.

Palace will hope they get more space down the flanks to exploit in order to make up for the disappointing performance against Sunderland last time out.

Prediction: 3-1