Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp Confident Arsenal Will Defeat Manchester United
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp remains confident that Arsenal will defeat Manchester United in their upcoming match, despite Manchester United throwing a wrench in Liverpool’s bid to equal their arch-rivals’ record of 20 league titles. Klopp expressed his satisfaction with Liverpool’s current situation after they dropped two points in the title race following a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, which kept the Gunners at the top of the table on goal difference.
Klopp acknowledged that if Liverpool were still in the race by the time Arsenal faced Manchester United, it would be great for his team. However, he doesn’t hold much hope for a helping hand from the Red Devils. Klopp stated, “If they (United) play like they did today, Arsenal will win that game, I’m 100 per cent sure.” Liverpool only managed to take two points off United this season and Klopp expressed regret over not winning both games against them.
Liverpool’s draw with Arsenal saw Mohamed Salah rescuing a point with an 84th-minute penalty. Despite dominating the first half and taking the lead through Luis Diaz’s opener, Liverpool failed to capitalize on their dominance. A mistake by young centre-back Jarell Quansah allowed Bruno Fernandes to equalize with a lob over goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from the center-circle before Kobbie Mainoo put Manchester United ahead.
Klopp expressed mixed feelings about the result, stating, “I’m happy with a lot of parts of the game, being 1-0 up at Old Trafford and having a 15-0 shooting stat (in the first half) is incredible.” However, he also acknowledged that Liverpool should have been calmer and clearer in certain moments. Despite dropping points, Klopp emphasized that their league position only matters after all 38 matchdays and that chasing a better goal difference would be unwise.
Klopp expressed his satisfaction with Liverpool’s current situation, stating, “We are who we are and we are how we are and that’s why we are in the race. I’m absolutely fine with that.” He praised his team for bringing them into their current position and highlighted that the same players who missed chances against Arsenal were the ones who earned Liverpool 71 points.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was equally happy with his team’s response after being outplayed for large parts of the game. He acknowledged that his team lost duels and lacked quick decision-making in the first half but encouraged them to improve in the second half. Ten Hag praised his team for capitalizing on a mistake by Liverpool and scoring a brilliant team goal.
Ten Hag also had words of praise for 19-year-old centre-back Willy Kambwala, who made only his second Premier League start. He expressed confidence in Kambwala’s abilities and stated, “It’s another signal and message for Manchester United’s high potential.”
However, Ten Hag was disappointed with his team’s late capitulation for the third successive game. He highlighted the need for improvement and expressed frustration over some poor decisions made in these games. Ten Hag emphasized the importance of improving as soon as possible.
In conclusion, Klopp remains confident that Arsenal will defeat Manchester United in their upcoming match, despite United’s recent success against Liverpool. Klopp is satisfied with Liverpool’s situation and believes that their position in the race is a result of their own abilities. Ten Hag praises his team’s response against Liverpool but expresses disappointment over their inability to hold onto winning positions. Both managers emphasize the need for improvement in their respective teams.