Jurgen Klopp praised Liverpool after their 4-0 win over Manchester United at Anfield but warned that their rivals “will strike back” in the future.
Liverpool went top of the league after their front three of Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah all produced a goal — two in Salah’s case — and an assist.
Advertisement
United manager Ralf Rangnick switched to a back five before the game, handing Phil Jones a rare start, but Liverpool overwhelmed United from the first whistle.
Diaz swept them ahead in the fifth minute after an inviting cross from Salah.
The second was even better: 25 passes, involving every player except Virgil van Dijk, culminating in a stunning reverse clip from Mane. Salah took it in his stride and beat David de Gea with ease.
United switched to a back four at half-time, which led to an improved performance. But just as Anfield was starting to get a little edgy, Mane made it 3-0 in the 66th minute with a clinical finish from Diaz’s cross.
Salah completed the scoring after a devastating through ball from substitute Diogo Jota.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Klopp said: “We were completely in charge for around 70 minutes of the game. I thought our counter-attacking was unbelievable: the speed, the desire to win the ball back. It was a really good game with some wonderful goals, and everyone is happy.”
On their dominance over United, he replied: “Our fans are smart – they know these things will not happen often. United are not in a good moment, with all the injuries they have and all these things. They will come back.
“But for our fans tonight was a big one, and they deserve every bit of joy.”
Salah was also asked about Liverpool’s dominance, and replied: “(My teammates) make our life easier in the midfield and at the back.
“They always try and give us the ball in a situation like this one (after Salah capitalised on a poor pass to score his fourth).
“I think we defend well. They make our life easier, we just have to score. When we score the first, we go for the second, when we score the second, we go for the third.
“I think it’s a top performance from us here and away also so hopefully we’ll carry on like this.”
Advertisement
Salah had gone six games without scoring, but insisted he was never concerned. “I said before many times, I’ve scored many goals for this club, it’s going to keep coming,” he said.
“Sometimes you have bad luck but the most important thing is that the team keep winning. I was not worried.”
Liverpool play Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, while United face Arsenal on Saturday.
(Photo: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
GO DEEPER
Why Liverpool are rated as stronger than Manchester City for the first time in two years
GO DEEPER
To Liverpool and back to watch Man United: 'The most cowardly performance in years'
GO DEEPER
United's pitiful goal kicks, Liverpool's triangles and a difference in desire
GO DEEPER
The on-pitch problems Ten Hag will need to fix at Manchester United
What else do I need to know?
The Athletic's Maram AlBaharna has outlined the problems which Erik ten Hag will have to fix at Manchester United next season, after the Dutchman agreed to a deal in principle last week.
Go Deeper below.
