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Jurgen Klopp does not agree that Liverpool’s rivalry with Manchester United is bigger or more important than that with the other top teams ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Klopp watched Sir Alex Ferguson celebrate his success as owner of a Cheltenham horse racing track last week, but the days of the Scot towering over this match and United’s dominance in general are long gone.
United and Liverpool have 67 trophies each, with Klopp regaining the lead.
“I know the famous expression with the perch, but I had other things to think about than Manchester United when I came here,” he said, referring to Ferguson’s promise to knock Liverpool off theirs.
‘In my first year, Leicester won the league, then Chelsea and Manchester City. So nothing (special plans) with Manchester United.
Jurgen Klopp disagrees with the importance of Liverpool’s rivalry with Manchester United
Klopp’s team will face Erik ten Hag’s team in the FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Sunday
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‘It’s not for me to think about anyone else. If we face United, yes. If we don’t do that, they can do whatever they want. I can’t influence it.
‘I couldn’t start building by thinking: ‘That’s where we want to get’. I had to go step by step.’
A record 9,000 Liverpool fans will be in attendance at Old Trafford, adding extra spice to the occasion.
The ticket allocations are more generous for away teams in cup competitions than for the Premier League, where only 3,000 Liverpool fans are allowed.
“I prefer home games but when it’s away I like the FA Cup,” said the Liverpool manager. ‘You bring more people and the leaving audience is a real crowd. Our fans will be alert and that is important because Old Trafford can create a special atmosphere.
‘The more we have to resist this, the better. This is all or nothing, as is decided on the day. It’s one of those games that the whole world will be watching.”
The German will leave Anfield at the end of the season but laughed at the prospect of spending his free time at the races.
‘I saw Sir Alex celebrating, also with Harry Redknapp. So far I don’t like betting or horse racing, but I don’t know what I’ll do next. Maybe I’ll meet a horse and fall in love! Who knows? Mr. McCann is my favorite horse! (Owned by Liverpool players, named after former press officer Matt McCann.)
‘What I like in this country are so many sports. Football, rugby, golf, tennis, now it’s horse racing. It’s crazy. In Germany, where more people live, it’s just football.’
The Liverpool boss, who won the FA Cup trophy in 2022, loves away games in the tournament
A record 9,000 Liverpool fans will be in attendance at Old Trafford, adding extra spice to the occasion
For United manager Erik ten Hag, the FA Cup represents a last chance for a trophy in a disappointing season. “We have to save the season,” he said. ‘We have to catch up in the Premier League, but now there is a chance to win silverware.’
‘We are only three wins away from the FA Cup. Liverpool is a test, but we like challenges and can be relaxed to a certain extent because we believe in ourselves.
‘As a manager things don’t always go up. Sometimes you have setbacks, but you can always look at the bigger picture. I know that when injured players return, we will raise our level and the results will improve.’