Ahead of the clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has listed out three United players that he likes. The Reds face United on Monday, 17 October, and the German knew that he is not supposed to like any United player.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Reds manager did speak highly of under-fire Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney.
Even though Rooney has been dropped from club and country and does not feature in the starting line ups, Klopp was aware of the quality the former Everton player has. (Quoted by manchestereveningnews)
“I am manager of Liverpool FC so I know it is not allowed to like United players!
“Rooney is a goal scorer and a threat. A situation like this can happen in a long career. From my side, he’s a world-class player.”
Two new Manchester United signings liked by Jurgen Klopp
The Liverpool manager was not done with the praise for the United players. The German also stated that Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were “world-class”. The manager was also aware that United have a lot of quality in the side and they could win games even if they do not play well.
“They [Pogba and Ibrahimovic] are both world-class players, when they’re in your team they are not worst than last year, for sure.
“Unfortunately this is a really strong side from Manchester, they know about football, they’re experienced, cool in the right moments, they don’t need world-class performances to win a game.
“Even on rainy days, it’s possible to score and win but it doesn’t mean they will win the game. It just means they have a chance.”
Liverpool looking for revenge
Last season the Reds were beaten twice by Manchester United in the league. But the Reds did pick up a win against their rivals in the home tie of the Europa League. The Merseyside club were better during the Europa League games but picking up a win in the Premier League will be high on Klopp’s itinerary.
The Reds have been incredible in the league this campaign and look set to continue that trend and pick up a fifth win in a row against United. The Anfield crowd will be backing the side but Liverpool know that United have a lot of talent on their side, as Klopp alluded.
The Reds also have their own injury concerns and Jose Mourinho has only lost thrice in his 10 visits to Anfield. While United can beat Liverpool on any given day, the manner in which the Reds are playing will surely make them favourites for the tie.
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