Manchester United were humbled 2-1 by Fenerbahce in the Europa League this past Thursday, and rival manager Klopp has taken a sly dig at their prospects of progressing in the competition.
Liverpool have been phenomenal so far this season, and are shaping up to be title contenders. The former Dortmund manager has implemented his high pressing, fast paced style to perfection, and the Reds look to continue their dominant streak against Watford this weekend.
A number of questions are being asked about whether the lack of European football this season has helped the Reds maintain their high energy style. Klopp has time and again stated that he doesn’t think that is the case.
However, Klopp was once again questioned about it ahead of the game against the Hornets, and he took the opportunity to deliver a sly dig at rivals Manchester United.
“When I was in Europe, I never thought ‘this is too much’. We just have to show that we use the extra time for training,” said Klopp, according to Sky Sports.
“Do you ask Antonio Conte about this every week? Maybe Man United will have it from January. Maybe ask them. Maybe it’s not a positive thing [losing] and then from January, it’s very positive not being in Europe any more.”
The loss to Fenerbahce leaves Manchester United in third place in their Europa League group, with two games to go in the group stage. As things stand, the Red Devils are a point behind Fenerbahce and Feyenoord who are joint top of group A with seven points.
The group stage concludes in December, and the Round of 32 begins in January. Klopp is assuming that Man United could be without European football in January, which means that the German manager perhaps believes that they can’t get out of the group stage.
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United has dulled down over the past few years. The last derby at Anfield last month also ended in a drab goalless draw. However, the barbs thrown from from both sides of this historic divide don’t seem to be at an end just yet.
