Jurgen Klopp has brought a sense of optimism back to Anfield, according to Dean Saunders, who has backed the German to spend wisely and strengthen his squad in the summer
Dean Saunders says Liverpool made Manchester United look like they were playing in slow motion in the first leg of their Europa League clash - and the Welshman has backed Jurgen Klopp to bring the feelgood factor back to Anfield.
Liverpool face their bitter rivals at Old Trafford on Thursday night having won the first leg of their Europa League last 32 clash 2-0 through goals from Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino.
And Saunders, who represented the Merseyside club during the 1991-92 season, believes his former club are making great strides under Klopp.
“There is a feelgood factor returning to Liverpool and beating their fierce rivals in Europe can only add to that," Saunders told Goal.
“Previous boss Brendan Rodgers had that feelgood factor when Liverpool finished second in the Premier League. But he lost it when he lost the services of his four best players [Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard left the club while Sturridge picked up a long-term injury].
“Klopp is assembling a new team and an exciting brand of football and you saw against United the progress he’s making. He is all about playing at a high-tempo and United didn’t know what hit them.
“It was organised pressing brought about by great team work. There were times when seven Liverpool players were going after the ball and United panicked and kept giving them it back.
“United looked like they were playing the game in slow motion and that was simply because they couldn’t live with Liverpool’s pace and intensity."
Saunders has backed Klopp to sign players who will fit his playing philosophy and see the club progress again next season, while rivals United continue to search for an identity under Louis van Gaal.
“These are great signs for Liverpool and Klopp will be pleased with the way the players he inherited have bought into his philosophy," Saunders said.
“The really exciting thing for Liverpool fans is that he will strengthen in the summer and bring in players even more suited to his style.
“I play a lot of golf with Liverpool and Manchester United fans and while the Liverpool fans think their team is moving in the right direction, there are a lot of glum faces among the United fans.”
- Goal