Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp: Win over Manchester United one of the best I've seen

Published on: 16 December 2018

With Liverpool getting their first league win over Manchester United since 2014, FC's Shaka Hislop examines the gulf in class between the two sides.

Jose Mourinho did not appreciate getting asked if he has the backing of the dressing room following Manchester United's loss to Liverpool.

With Liverpool getting their first league win over Manchester United since 2014, FC's Shaka Hislop examines the gulf in class between the two sides.

English Premier League: Xherdan Shaqiri (80') Liverpool 3-1 Manchester United

English Premier League: Jesse Lingard (33') Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

English Premier League: Sadio Mané (24') Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United

LIVERPOOL, England -- Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool's display in Sunday's 3-1 victory over rivals Manchester United was one of the best performances of his Anfield reign.

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League after second-half substitute Xherdan Shaqiri scored twice within the space of seven minutes.

Liverpool had taken the lead in the 25th minute through Sadio Mane but were pegged back when an error from Alisson allowed Jesse Lingard to equalise.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

    How teams can qualify

    Find out how all eight Champions League groups are shaping up at the half-way point.

    How to fix the Champions League

    It's time to find a way to fix the Champions League -- or start a European super league.

    Watch on ESPN networks in the U.S.

    ESPN+ is America's home for a host of professional soccer leagues from around the world, highlighted by Italy's Serie A, Major League Soccer, UEFA Nations League and English FA Cup. | ESPN+ schedule

    - Latest Champions League tables - Upcoming group fixtures - Champions League statistics - All the latest UCL news

"It was a brilliant start, one of the best performances we had since I've been in Liverpool," Klopp, who took charge of the club in October 2015, told a post-match news conference.

"For the first half hour we were outstanding, scored only one, but I don't think anyone expects four or five against this United team.

"How we played was just perfect. We passed into the right areas and played in behind the lines.

"Then for half an hour we lost the momentum of the game a bit, they scored, it was more open and I had no problem with the half-time whistle to be honest. Not because United were demanding the game, but because it was more open.

"When [Marouane] Fellaini is on the pitch it's never a good sign for the other team, it is always difficult for the other team to defend these high balls, but we even did that very well.

"We got our dominance back step-by-step and Shaq closed the game. That was unbelievably nice, and deserved.

"You need a bit of luck and both goals were deflected but you need that. The first goal -- what a goal. A super pass and a super control and finish. Nearly a perfect night."

Jurgen Klopp lauded his Liverpool side for a 'nearly perfect night' against Manchester United.

While Shaqiri proved to be the match-winner, Fabinho, another one of Liverpool's summer signings, was hugely influential against Jose Mourinho's side.

"He was outstanding. Absolutely outstanding," Klopp said. "But I don't like these questions, the thing I don't hear is that it says something about other players as well. I know you don't mean it like this.

"On Tuesday we played against Napoli, one of the best games of the season, an outstandingly strong opponent, we played with Milner, Henderson and Wijnaldum in midfield.

"That's what I said. It's the heart and soul of the game we need. And as long as we can make these changes, we will make these changes. That's how it is. They have fresh legs and are fresh in the mind. Always they go for it.

"Fabinho played at the highest level --that's true."

Meanwhile, Klopp lauded the performance of right-back Nathaniel Clyne in what was just his third start in the last 17 months.

Injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and James Milner saw Clyne make his first Premier League outing of the season.

"Clyney, first game of the season and I was sure he couldn't play 90 minutes, but he adapted brilliantly to the style," Klopp said.

"Since I have been here, he has played 100 or so games, then he got a bad injury and was out. Trent emerged, then Joe got fit, and the situation changed.

"You can train at the highest level, but you have to wait. Is that nice? No. Is it the job? Yes. That's how it is.

"Because Clyney did that and trained at a really high level, then he could perform like he did tonight -- just amazing."

Source: espn.co.uk

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more