Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted his team are facing Manchester United at wort time possible. The two rivals meet at Old Trafford in a huge Premier League encounter, as a win would see Liverpool move three points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table.
While Liverpool breezed past United when the two sides met in December, the Red Devils are now a much more formidable prospect under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Klopp is well aware of the size of the task facing his team, per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo.
Klopp on facing United: “It’s a big one. They are in a good moment, physically strong, defend and attack well. Full of confidence. We will try everything to get a result there.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) February 22, 2019
The United side Liverpool faced before Christmas had just endured the club’s worst start to a Premier League season. Not only that, under Jose Mourinho the players appeared uninspired, and key figures like Paul Pogba were still struggling for consistency. In Mourinho’s final game at Anfield, Pogba was left on the bench for the duration, that despite the fact his team were chasing the game.
Now United look like one of the best sides in the country, with Solskjaer bringing productivity and positivity back to the club. They have won 11, drawn one and lost one since he took charge, with Pogba a prominent force for the team.
Klopp: “We can’t make the game bigger, we just have to do the best we can do. I know what you have in your minds – for us it’s worst moment to face United & the best moment for them. But it’s not that we go there as a weak opponent. We are a pretty well organised football team.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) February 22, 2019
The German also praised the impact Solskjaer has had and spoke of how he was able to seize an opportunity early in his own managerial career.
JK: We all need luck in our coaching careers. When I went from Mainz to Dortmund they said I didn't have international experience. He and his coaches have made a few smart decisions and it's worked out. He'll be the manager next year that's clear, he deserves that.
— Christopher Beesley (@CBeesleyEcho) February 22, 2019
From a Liverpool perspective, the manager confirmed the team are still short in defence, with Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren sidelined. Klopp also provided positive news on the fitness of Rhian Brewster and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are both recovering from long-term layoffs.
Klopp: “Lovren and Gomez out, all the rest in training. Brewster in little parts of training, Ox in bigger parts but still not ready. Usually around this time I get a message to say that someone is ill!”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) February 22, 2019
They will be able to welcome back Virgil van Dijk for this crucial game after he was suspended for the first leg of their last-16 showdown with Bayern Munich on Tuesday. In that match, Fabinho was dropped back into the centre of defence to partner Joel Matip and did admirably. Klopp praised the Brazilian’s effort but said he will still continue to be used as a midfielder in the main.
Liverpool have overcome numerous tests this term on their way to being in pole position for the title. Sunday’s match, at the home of an in-form rival after a challenging Champions League encounter, may be the most difficult yet. With a home fixture against Watford to come on Wednesday and the Merseyside derby against Everton next weekend, the Old Trafford encounter will be the start of a defining week for Liverpool’s title ambitions.