LFC v Man Utd: Klopp dismisses talk of defensive crisis

Premier League
Sunday 16 December 2018 - 4:00 pm
Anfield
Liverpool3
1Man Utd
Show Match Events
⚽️ Mane24'
27' Dalot
33'⚽️ Lingard
39' Lukaku
45'↔️ Dalot off, Fellaini on
Keïta off, Shaqiri on ↔️70'
⚽️ Shaqiri73'
⚽️ Shaqiri81'
Mane off, Henderson on ↔️84'
85'↔️ Lingard off, Mata on
Possession %
6436
Total Shots
335
Shots on Target
112
Shots Blocked
14
Offside
23
Hide Match Events

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has dismissed talk of a defensive crisis ahead of this weekend's big clash against Jose Mourinho's side.

Klopp was asked about the Liverpool - Manchester United rivalry.

'Being part of that game is pretty special.  When I was in Germany I tried everything I could to make sure I could watch it.  Now I've been a part of it for a few years.

'We haven't always had the right result for the performance we've had.

'On Tuesday night we reached a big target.  We had one day to feel the relief of that.  The boys did the job so they took the Wednesday to calm down and since yesterday we are back on track, preparing for the game.

'The fans are ready to create an atmosphere like Tuesday night which was very special.

Klopp was asked about LFC"s defensive issues with Gomez and Matip out until late January, and Trent Alexander-Arnold limping off on Tuesday night.  The questioner used the word 'crisis'.

'It's our situation.  It's only a 'crisis' if you feel that it is.

(On Trent) It's not as serious as the other two boys (Gomez and Matip) but of course it's obviously absolutely not top class news.  It was unlucky especially with Joel - the last second of the game.  I didn't see him on the pitch at the end because I spoke to Carlo (Ancelotti).

'For him (Trent) it's day by day.  It's not cool.  As long as we still have enough players it is my job to find a solution and I will find a solution.

Klopp was asked if Man Utd are out of the title race.

'I don't think I've ever been interested in the points of Manchester United.  I'm not today obviously. I'm aware of the criticism (that they've had). But there is a lot of quality there.  There is speed, technique, they are physically strong.   They have strikers they can switch between Rashford, Lukaku, Lingaard - unbelievable quality.

'We don't judge how many points they have but how quality they have.

There was some good news on Nathaniel Clyne who has been out for a few weeks.  He has been in training for four days ago.  Klopp said

'Is he ready for 90 minutes? I don't know.  But is he ready? Yes.'

Liverpool v Manchester United kicks off at 4:00pm on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.

VIDEO: LFC v Man Utd Press Conference

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