Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for his tactics during this year’s Europa League final against Sevilla. The Scot said that Klopp’s tactics of pressing the opposition too much cost his team as they ran out of energy in the second half and lost the match.
Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool the lead in the first half with a brilliant strike but the Spanish outfit and the defending champions ran riot in the second half and scored three goals to win their third consecutive Europa League title.
The German tactician is known for his high pressing game known as gegenpressing but the legendary manager said in a UEFA technical report reviewing the 2015-16 season that the high-intensity game throughout the season was a tough task for any team.
“In the second half Liverpool had no energy, they could not get to the ball,” Ferguson said. “The space in midfield became bigger. I never had a team who could press a ball all season.”
But the former manager was quick to praise the German tactician for bringing the much-needed improvement at the Merseyside club and said that it will be tough for visiting teams to get points at Anfield under Klopp.
“I’ve always thought that playing at Anfield was very difficult,” he said. “Because the crowd create an amazing atmosphere that puts a lot of teams, opponents and the referees under pressure a lot.
“We saw evidence of that when 3-1 down against Dortmund they got that second goal and the crowd lifted them and I think it inspires this team
“They are that kind of football club, Liverpool, that get inspired by their support.”
“He’s bought into the fans. And the support have taken to him because he’s shown that enthusiasm on the touchline, with his energy and his personality when he’s jumping out there.
“I think the combination of both suit each other.”
The German manager has been a huge hit in England and is loved all around for his attitude and Ferguson too praised Klopp’s attitude.
“Even at Newcastle when they lost the second goal he goes over to Steve McClaren to congratulate him,” he said.
“That’s class. And the work he did at Dortmund. He’s going to make a difference at that club with his personality, drive and knowledge. Things are looking up there. I’m worried about him because the one thing United don’t want is Liverpool to get above us.”