A look at what Jurgen Klopp had to say about the crunch Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Premier League arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester United will go head-to-head in the game of the weekend on Sunday.
Liverpool will host Manchester United, who are looking to put behind them that terrible performance and result against Bournemouth on their last outing at home.
16:36 - 15.12.2023
Liverpool vs Manchester Utd: Match preview, team news and prediction
Despite a recent 2-1 defeat in the Europa League against Union Saint-Gilloise, their performance in the Premier League has been impressive
14:22 - 13.12.2023
FOOTBALL Erik ten Hag: Why besieged Manchester United manager is unlikely to be sacked
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure in the wake of their poor form but the Red Devils are not likely to sack him yet due to a number of reasons
Liverpool vs Manchester United: Brief
But the Red Devils meet an in-form Liverpool side who are at the top of the standings and go into the encounter 10 points above their visitors.
The last time these two met, it ended in a historic 7-0 win in favour of the Merseysiders and many believe a similar result is on the cards this Sunday when both sides clash again at Anfield.
But here are 3 reasons why Erik Ten Hag’s Devils should not be written off just yet despite their poor form, according to Jurgen Klopp via The Athletic.
Form Doesn’t Mean Everything
Despite what has been a tough week for Manchester United, including that shocking capitulation against the Cherries at home and premature exit from Europe, Liverpool's manager believes form will not mean much in this clash.
In his defence, the German highlighted the recent PL awards swept by the Red Devils and the form that led to them as a sign of the visitors having the potential to bounce back.
I don’t follow United closely enough to know exactly what the problem is there, but I saw Erik ten Hag was manager of the month last month. I saw they were the team in form so how can it be all wrong? I just don’t understand it.
Don’t Underestimate United
Liverpool is wary of United’s threat per Klopp, who is not a fan of how pundits and journalists have analysed United’s displays.
The Liverpool boss is concerned about media narratives around United which have suggested that Ten Hag’s side is weak.
However, the former Borussia Dortmund coach believes such narratives could spur the Red Devils on against their bitter rivals and he doesn’t like that.
“I never like when the headlines are about United not being great before we play because it’s like, ‘Okay, then this is the game where they can put everything right’,” Klopp said.
Klopp dismisses ‘Freak’ 7-0
The last time these two met, a Mohamed Salah-inspired display saw the hosts put seven goals past the helpless United team.
But Klopp won’t be drawn to that result as he believes it was a freak performance and result in the end. He believes it is a result that won’t happen again and has asked every to look beyond that game as it didn’t reflect United’s capabilities.
We knew that day that the 7-0 was a freak result that happens once in a lifetime. If it helps anybody for the next game then it is the team who lost 7-0, not the team who won 7-0.
Related content
20:21 - 14.12.2023
Red Devils' Downfall: An autopsy of Manchester United’s worst Champions League run
Manchester United's 2023 Champions League campaign was marked by a dramatic downfall, resulting in one of their worst performances in the tournament's history.
18:56 - 14.12.2023
Top 10 Football Managers with the most Champions League Games
Which managers have made the most appearances in the UEFA Champions League, and which ones have been successful in the competition?
15:00 - 14.12.2023
FOOTBALL 10 footballers who lost almost everything after divorce
10 footballers who lost nearly everything post-divorce, including legends like Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs, share cautionary tales.
12:27 - 14.12.2023
Mo Salah to extend impressive record against PL strugglers Manchester United
Mohamed Salah and Liverpool will host bitter rivals Manchester United in a keenly anticipated Premier League clash this weekend at Anfield.
11:54 - 14.12.2023
The Costly Knockout: Manchester United miss out on up to £95 million after Champions League Exit
Manchester United will be counting the cost of their disastrous exit from the UEFA Champions League group stage, which could severely affect their transfer business
08:33 - 14.12.2023
Don't waste money on him — Dwight Yorke warns Man Utd to stay away from ex-Arsenal striker
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has warned the Red Devils to spend wisely in the coming transfer window.
19:43 - 13.12.2023
FOOTBALL Costly failure: The millions Man United will miss out on after Champions League elimination
Manchester United's failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout round will see the club miss out on big money that would have boosted their transfer kitty
14:22 - 13.12.2023
FOOTBALL Erik ten Hag: Why besieged Manchester United manager is unlikely to be sacked
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure in the wake of their poor form but the Red Devils are not likely to sack him yet due to a number of reasons
21:04 - 14.12.2023
Liverpool prepare for Manchester United clash with shock Europa League loss
With many of their star players resting ahead of the Manchester United match this weekend, Liverpool were beaten by Union Saint-Gilloise in their final Europa League match