Jurgen Klopp has admitted he can’t help but respect one thing Manchester United did against his side in Sunday’s thrilling FA Cup quarter-final.
Manchester United have booked their tickets to Wembley – where they will face Coventry City in the semi-finals – after a remarkable 4-3 win over their fierce rivals.
A rollercoaster of a game began with Scott McTominay giving Erik ten Hag’s side an early lead as they started the game confidently.
Yet, old failings would haunt them again as Liverpool scored twice in a disastrous three-minute spell at the end of the half.
It looked as though a meek exit from the tournament was on the cards, and many fans had left Old Trafford, before Antony struck with four minutes remaining.
That set up a dramatic extra time period in which Liverpool again took the lead but goals from Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo secured an unbelievable comeback.
United threw everything at Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp could only respect the approach.
Jurgen Klopp gives ‘respect’ to Manchester United
Speaking to ITV, Klopp said: “We did not have a good start but we adapted really well and played a top game.
“At 2-1 up we had so many chances to kill the game off, we were in a rush in some moments and the rest is already history.
“We were nearly there in extra time and in the end we lose the game. I cannot ask the boys for more.
“We had an intense season so far, you just have to count the games and today was hard. United took a lot of risks, I absolutely respect that.
“The decision-making doesn’t get better the longer the game goes on. Congratulations to United for going to the semi-final.”
What a performance
Ten Hag didn’t really have any other options available to him but he still deserves credit for throwing caution to the wind to such an extent.
The manager made attacking sub after attacking sub to the point United ended the game with a back-line containing Bruno Fernandes at centre-back and Antony at left-back.
It made for a simply incredible match and a result that could change the fortunes of the club around completely.
The manager is under a lot of pressure for poor performances this season but no one can argue that his players aren’t fighting tooth and nail for him.
He has had to contend with a ridiculous injury list and is bringing through several exciting, young players.
Two of them, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, were the best on the pitch. The win might have earned him more credit when big decisions are made in the summer.