Jurgen Klopp’s latest comments about Ralf Rangnick appeared to contain a not-so-subtle nod to critics of Liverpool’s amicable rivalry with Manchester City.
The German shared his respect for the Manchester United head coach ahead of the fifth-placed outfit’s visit to L4.
“Ralf Rangnick does not need to read these pages to know how much I like and respect him, but I should say it anyway for the benefit of others,” the former Borussia Dortmund boss wrote in his pre-match programme notes (as relayed by Stretty News). “Firstly, because it is true but also because it is important that all of us can demonstrate that underneath the rivalry, the passion and the desire to win, it is always possible to have a healthy respect for our opponents. This, for me, is what sport is about.”
The Reds find themselves second in the English top-flight and in need of the lion’s share of the points to keep up their hopes of catching Pep Guardiola’s men.
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Whilst we can appreciate the carnal attraction of on-pitch scuffles and arguments on the touchline between managers, the relative cleanness of proceedings between ourselves and the Cityzens is nothing to be ashamed of.
Ultimately, if we’re treated to an unbelievably high standard of attacking football, it’s difficult to see how the complaints have arisen in the first place.
If the football on the pitch is good enough to hold our attention, we don’t really see why there shouldn’t be room for respect between two quality teams.