Jurgen Klopp has responded to Sir Alex Ferguson’s praise saying he is pleased he had something positive to say rather than negative about Liverpool.
The former Manchester United boss, who spent 26 years as manager at Old Trafford, praised Klopp’s dedication which as revived Liverpool’s enthusiasm, while admitting he was worried about Liverpool going above United in the league table.
While Klopp said in it was nice of Ferguson to say something nice about his side – who are currently unbeaten in seven matches – but also remained realistic about the praise, saying he believed Ferguson was asked a question about Liverpool for his response, opposed to him making the comments without being prompted.
“Is it allowed for me to say I like Alex Ferguson? I met him before I was Liverpool manager. Nice for him to say something positive,” Klopp ahead of Liverpool’s away clash with Crystal Palace.
“I knew him before and he did what he had to do at Manchester, which automatically isn’t good for Liverpool.
“But it’s better he says something positive than negative about Liverpool.
“I’m sure he didn’t go out of his house and think ‘I’ll say some things about Liverpool’, he was asked a question!”
Ferguson commented on Klopp and Liverpool earlier this week, saying the club need to be counted in for title contention this season with Klopp’s strong personality and dedication vital for a big club.
“He has done a really good job and revived Liverpool’s enthusiasm,” said Ferguson, as reported by Daily Telegraph.
“It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.
“You can now well and truly sense that you have to count them in this year.
“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.
“I’m worried about him because the one thing United don’t want is Liverpool to get above us.”
Following their 2-1 win over West Brom last Saturday, the Reds are still on an unbeaten run with just one defeat this season to Burnley.
Liverpool are currently third in the league table behind Manchester City and Arsenal on goal difference, with Manchester United in seventh after not having won a game under Jose Mourinho since their 4-1 win over Leicester on 24th September.
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