Liverpool will not see repeat of ‘freakish’ 7-0 win over Man Utd, says Klopp

Even the though the Red Devils crashed out of the Champions League this week, Klopp feels United is a stronger team when its back is against the wall.

Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates Liverpool’s win over Sheffield United In the Premier League. | Photo Credit: AP

Liverpool’s massive 7-0 victory over Manchester United at Anfield last season was a once-in-a-lifetime result that will not be repeated but Sunday’s derby promises to be a ‘special’ game, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Erik ten Hag’s United was flying high after winning the League Cup last season to end a six-year trophy drought but came crashing down to earth a week later when Liverpool handed the Old Trafford side its worst defeat in 92 years.

“The 7-0 we knew on the day was a freakish result that happens once in life pretty much. And if it helps anybody for the next game, it’s the team who lost 7-0 and not the team who won 7-0, that’s another thing,” Klopp told reporters.

“If you take it all out of consideration then we just play a football game against the rival, the historical rival, of Liverpool FC, at home, at Anfield. That itself must make it a special game and that’s what I want to see from us, a special game. Really understand the situation and give your all, that’s all I need.”

Liverpool goes into the weekend as Premier League leader while United is sixth, 10 points behind. United has been in dire form in recent weeks with just one win from its last five games in all competitions.

Ten Hag is also under immense scrutiny after his side crashed out of Europe when it finished bottom of the Champions League group, but Klopp feels United is a stronger team when its back is against the wall.

“I do not like all this talk around it. The more bad things people say about them, the stronger they will show up. That is always the case. I will make sure from our point of view that we will be 100% focused on the right stuff, but we are human beings and there is a noise around,” said Klopp.

Having topped its Europa League group, Klopp rested key players for its final group fixture, a 2-1 loss at Union St. Gilloise.

The German said rotation was important with a League Cup quarterfinal against West Ham United on Wednesday and title rival Arsenal visiting Anfield the following weekend.

“I’m not sure what the other schedules are but that is the worst you can get. From now on they are all finals, that’s how it is. December is always about getting through.”