Liverpool prepare to host bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield as both the teams look forward to winning the Europa League Round of 16 tie to keep alive their hopes of Champions League football next season.
Both the Liverpool and Manchester United boss met earlier in the Bundesliga, when they managed Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively.
Louis van Gaal and Jurgen Klopp faced one another for the first time in the Premier League in their January clash at Anfield. Rooney’s strike ensured a victory for the away team, as Klopp’s side missed plenty of chances to score.
This result wasn’t the first time Louis van Gaal was victorious over Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman has enjoyed two victories, out of a total of four fixtures, against Klopp’s Dortmund.
A stroll down the memory lane as Van Gaal and Klopp renew their rivalry
Borussia Dortmund 1-5 Bayern Munich (September 2009)
Their first encounter was at Signal Iduna Park where the home team were thrashed by Bayern Munich. Although Dortmund took the lead after Hummels scored the game’s first goal, the Bavarians went on to win the game, courtesy of goals from Mario Gotze, Frank Ribery, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Bayern Munich 3-1 Borussia Dortmund (February 2010)
The second encounter between Van Gaal and Klopp was no different as the Dutchman’s side dominated at Allianz Arena. A goal from Mohamed Zidan gave Dortmund a lead in the game, only to be turned around in favour of the Bavarians, courtesy of braces from Arjen Robben, Mark van Bommel and Mario Gomez. This also marked Jurgen Klopp’s tenth consecutive defeat against Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich went on to win the Bundesliga title in the 2009-10 season.
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Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Bayern Munich (October 2010)
Jurgen Klopp’s side were turning tables this season as this win would go on to mark their sixth consecutive win of the season in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich had a shaky start to the season, and this match made things worse for them. The home team finally had their revenge, courtesy of goals from Nuri Sahin and Lucas Barrios.
Bayern Munich 1-3 Borussia Dortmund (February 2011)
Even after their last win over Bayern and a terrific run of form in the domestic league, Dortmund weren’t considered serious title contenders. All this changed after Dortmund managed to register their first victory in two decades at Bayern Munich’s home, courtesy of goals from Mats Hummels, Nuri Sahin and Lucas Barrios.
This victory ended Bayern’s title hopes, as Dortmund went on to clinch the Bundesliga title of 2010-11. Louis van Gaal was sacked close to the end of the season, as Bayern lost the third spot in the league table.
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United (January 2016)
Half a decade later, both the managers came head to head as Louis van Gaal took the glory at the end of the 90 minutes, with due credit to the heroics of David de Gea and the goal by Wayne Rooney. This was the first goal by Rooney at Anfield in 11 years. Liverpool mounted simultaneous attacks but lacked finish and couldn’t score past the resilient De Gea.
Both the managers have their unique styles. Louis van Gaal prefers keeping possession of the ball, while Jurgen Klopp prefers running down to defence with aggressive runs. As seen in their home defeat against United in January, Liverpool’s aggression mean nothing without the ability to find the back of the net, and Manchester United’s possession means nothing until they are able to create a chance and capitalise on it.
In the past Louis van Gaal has impressed on more occasions, but not much can be said about this fixture, except for that it is bound to be entertaining as both the managers look forward to landing a Champions League spot for the next season.
