(Watch Jurgen Klopp talk about Alex Ferguson from 8.40 on)
LIVERPOOL MANAGER JURGEN Klopp labelled Manchester United managerial legend Alex Ferguson “the John Lennon of football” and defended current Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal.
The Reds meet their fierce rivals at Anfield on Sunday in a crucial Premier League fixture, but the former Borussia Dortmund boss was complimentary about a present and former foe.
Klopp was pleased to hear Ferguson had praised his ability and spoken of his worry at how his presence could challenge United.
The Anfield boss responded: “That is good, but now I have to prove it!
I had really good moments with Sir Alex. I needed 10 minutes to understand his language, but then it was OK! For a manager best thing you can do is sit there and listen to him. It was an honour to talk with him.
“Maybe he is the greatest ever — the John Lennon of football.”
Meanwhile, Klopp backed Van Gaal, who has been criticised for his team’s playing style, by paying tribute to his track record, despite the pair’s vastly different styles and past battles when they were at Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
“Louis van Gaal is one of the most successful managers in the world, he has won a lot of titles and has a special idea of football,” said the Liverpool boss.
As an opponent you have to respect this and work with the information. Newcastle was a special game, they did really well. United reacted good in this game.
“We are different characters. He is more experienced. I don’t know Louis too well but we have had a few intensive games. We both want to be successful.
“I won’t say we have got a better idea. It is not about possession or counter-pressing. We are different characters. I might be a bit more lively on the sidelines but sometimes that is not always good.”
Even on drugs Mayo can’t win
@Brian O’Loughlin: Or the dubs
@scutterpumps: drugs that would explain the cheating carryon off the mayo number 5 alright
@dead right: Awri bud
@Cathal: grand thanks.
@deadright if you don’t know that the Mayo no 5 is Lee Keegan then you obviously haven’t a clue what you’re talking about. Regardless of the rights and wrongs of his behaviour in All Ireland final and replay.
@Cormac O Neill: oh i know who he is alright
@Brian O’Loughlin: they should try whatever Kilkenny is on.
Small financial penalties are inadequate. Why not a championship ban the following year for failing to adhere to testing protocols. What are they hiding anyway. What gives them special treatment.
If Carlow teams are on drugs I think they need to have a sit down with their suppliers, or at the very least up their intake considerably
It’s an amateur game and the drug testing seems to be run fairly amateurishly aswell. At least we know Dr May hasn’t got a ‘ major’ concern with drug use. Cork could do with some of what kilkenny are taking
@Teddyzigzagbigbag: They must have got some of it today.
“At the last minute”…..:) gway ye chancers
Signs are good for a carlow win today then
From listening to sports talk shows on drug use in sport it seems highly likely that there is a huge amount of drug taking in GAA circles!
Unless an organisation actively spot checks players directly after matches on a regular and consistent basis they are really only promoting drug use!!
:-/
What’s with the headline?? Kilkenny and Mayo named from 5 counties. Wonder where the author is from….
@Adrian Costigan: He is from Offaly I believe, but I know, I know you were thinking Dublin.
Mayo lads tested positive for Valium…..hard to blame them
Mayo don’t have any medals to hand back.
Dub football haters aka the rest of the country fcuk off
@Ollie Watson: Are you ok there snowflake?
@Ollie Watson: f@ckin dubs
@Ollie Watson: Bleeedin Jazus! Will yas calm doun, is Sunday bleeedin mornin
@Ollie Watson: any chance of a euro for bus Pal…
@George Sweeney: is that a new word for heroin?
@David: Would love to fcuk off for a few days but the Dubs would have the house ransacked while i was gone
@phil: ah heour learve ih ouh
The elephant in the room……the winter training ban