What Jurgen Klopp said about Manchester United and Erik ten Hag

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is cautious about his team’s title chances, despite the fact that they are top of the table, and says Manchester United’s situation is “not important” to the Reds ahead of Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

The Reds were one point ahead of second-placed Arsenal before Sunday’s games, when they hosted Manchester United for the first time since a 7-0 win in March.

Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nez, and Mo Salah each scored twice in that thrashing, with Roberto Firmino scoring late to add insult to injury.

However, such performances, combined with his team’s current standing, have done little to boost Klopp’s hopes for silverware.

“I knew from the beginning that we had a very good football team,” said the manager. “We all knew how good these boys could be.

“However, all of the teams vying for the top four are outstanding.” We had a good pre-season in which we didn’t train once and had to play a lot during the first five games.

“We got through it, and it contributes to the process of bringing the group together.” I like the progress we’re making. We’ll have to see if they’re big enough [to win the championship]. But I can see the progression, which is what I need to understand where it might go.”

After 17 games, only four points separate fifth and first, with the Christmas run likely to separate the teams before the second half of the season.

Klopp has frequently criticized the English calendar’s density, and he has expressed concerns about navigating the schedule with a full squad.

“It feels exactly like [a crucial point in the season],” that’s what he said. “Wednesday, Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Tuesday.” It’s extremely difficult and brutal, but we must persevere.

“We’ve had our injuries, and we’ll see who is available for all of the games, but we need them all to make it.”

“They’re all huge games.” United vs. Arsenal is a big game. It’s a big game against West Ham in the [League Cup] quarter-finals.

“It’s always a big game on Boxing Day [against Burnley].” It would be more difficult if more people were away from home, but it is still a significant task.”

Looking ahead to the game against Manchester United, Klopp stated that the Red Devils‘ recent form is “just not important.” In all competitions, they have only won one of their last five.

“I never like it when the headlines about Manchester United aren’t great before we play because it’s like, ‘OK, then this is the game where they can put everything right.'”

“The more negative things said about them, the stronger they will appear.” That is always true. That bothers me.

“I don’t follow United closely enough to know what the issue is, but I saw Erik ten Hag was Manager of the Month last month and they were the team in form in the previous month, so how can it all be wrong?” I simply don’t get it.

“The situation with Manchester United – don’t get me wrong, it’s not important for us.” We’re just getting ready for our team.”