There’s never been any love lost between Liverpool and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Even for someone so heavily associated with Manchester United, Fergie seemed to go out of his way to wind up the Reds whenever he could.
To be fair, he made it his mission to “knock them right off their f***ing perch”, so it’s hardly surprising that the Anfield faithful have never had much time for the Scotsman.
However, in the last few days, he’s been building bridges. This isn’t going to change any Liverpool fan’s opinion of him, but he did take the time to praise Jurgen Klopp’s work at the club.
“He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool’s enthusiasm,” Ferguson told German magazine, Kicker.
“You can see Klopp’s dedication on the sideline – I’m convinced his work in training is similar. He’s a strong personality. That’s absolutely vital at a big club.”
Gone are the days when Fergie used to feud with Liverpool managers like Rafael Benitez, although that’s partly because he’s no longer in the United hot seat. It was great while it lasted, though.
All the same, it’s nice to see him offering Klopp an olive branch, and it’s gone down pretty well with the eccentric Reds boss.
“Is it allowed for me to say I like Alex Ferguson?” he joked, as per Sky Sports.
This is definitely not something we’re ok with. Then again, maybe it’s a sign that Liverpool really is on the up again, as with United struggling to find any consistency, Klopp can afford to be a bit more generous.
“I met him before I was a Liverpool manager. It’s nice for him to say something positive,” he added.
“Maybe we had to change the minds of fans about the past, but while I don’t know too much about enthusiasm I feel there is a positive atmosphere in and around Melwood at moment.
Klopp has every right to be feeling optimistic right now, with his side joint top of the Premier League, only behind Manchester City and Arsenal on goal difference.
Depending on other results, Liverpool could be at the summit by Saturday evening if they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.