Liverpool FC crushed Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday with a rather unforeseen 4-1 rout of the noisy neighbours. Manager Jurgen Klopp was understandably proud of his side’s display, and stressed on the “big passion” they showed to overcome difficult opponents.
Liverpool FC took everyone by surprise as nobody expected them to race away to a 3-0 lead 31 minutes into the game, thanks to goals from Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino, and an Eliaquim Mangala own goal. Sergio Aguero pulled one back for Manchester City with a stunning strike from 23 yards, but Martin Skrtel’s half-volley ten minutes from time sealed the deal for the Reds.
Klopp on Liverpool showing “big passion”
As he so often did at Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp mentioned the passion factor that is important in big games like these. Although he said his team can do better, the 48-year-old knows this is a huge step for the club in the course of the season.
“It was far from perfect, but it was very, very good,” said Klopp to Sky Sports.
“We didn’t defend as well as we can but we took our chances. They were brilliant counter attack goals. One goal can change a game.
“At half-time Man City made two changes and it’s difficult to stay in the game with this quality of opponent but we did it with big passion and that’s important.
The recipe to the rout
On paper, Manchester City might have been the favourites, and one wouldn’t have been surprised if the scoreline would have read 4-1 in City’s favour. But this goes to show how the manager’s tactical acumen is key, among other things.
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“You can’t win a game against a team like Man City without passion,” Klopp said (via Sky Sports). “We tried to close the spaces where they want to play and we pressed high. The crowd was a bit nervous when they couldn’t build up their game like they want. That’s the first step in a game and we did it.”
The win lifts Liverpool FC into ninth position in the Premier League, but the Reds are still six points off a Champions League spot.
The Merseysiders have now registered away wins at Chelsea FC, Rubin Kazan and Manchester City in Klopp’s short period at the club, but they will be looking to improve their home form as they have managed to collect just eight points out of a possible eighteen this season.
The Reds next face Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in the Europa League at Anfield on Thursday.
