Klopp revs up Liverpool crowd for visit of United
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Article summary
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has urged the Anfield crowd to "set a new level" when Manchester United visit, with Louis van Gaal well aware of the significance of this tie.
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- This is the 195th competitive encounter between the clubs, but the first in Europe
- Manchester United have won last four meetings with north-west rivals Liverpool
- Liverpool are unbeaten in eight European games this season, drawing five
- United have won only eight of their 22 away matches in 2015/16, losing nine
- Liverpool v Manchester United: Who is best?
Possible lineups
Liverpool: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Milner (Lallana); Coutinho, Sturridge, Firmino.
Out: Gomez (knee), Ings (knee), Lucas (thigh), Rossiter (hamstring)
Doubtful: Milner (illness)
Misses next match if booked: Moreno
Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Mata, Herrera, Memphis; Martial.
Out: Lingard (suspended), Keane (groin), Rooney (knee), Shaw (ankle), Young (groin), Jones (ankle/foot)
Doubtful: Valencia (foot), Schweinsteiger (knee)
Misses next match if booked: Smalling
Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager
You know I believe in the influence of the crowd – I try everything to show the people that we do it for ourselves, of course, but we do it for them especially. We really enjoy the relationship with the crowd and it helps, absolutely no doubt about it. We can create a better atmosphere in the first leg than Manchester United in the second leg.
It's a big part of football – if it was not a big part, we could play without supporters in the park. Hopefully we set a new level in the recent history of Liverpool. I am sure it is not possible or easy to [beat what Liverpool] fans did in the past, but since I'm here, no problem.
It's a really, really big game, but I hope it's not the biggest in my Liverpool career. It's very important and to go into the next round, we have to beat them – that's it.
Louis van Gaal, Manchester United manager
You have to win – there is no difference [between a league and a cup game]. United and Liverpool is always a big game. It's historical and even bigger now because both teams are fighting for a Champions League place.
I noticed that you have a negative view [of the UEFA Europa League in the English media], but against teams like Midtjylland there were how many fans? 58,000. The fans of Manchester United are appreciating it. How many fans do I think we'll have against Liverpool [for the second leg at Old Trafford]? Maybe 75,000. I think Anfield is also sold out, so that's what I have to say – it's very important for both teams and the fans want to see the duel between us.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Liverpool: WWDWDW
Manchester United: LWWWWL
Reporter's view: Simon Hart (@UEFAcomSimonH)
Recent history makes United favourites for this match given they have won their last four meetings with Liverpool – indeed Van Gaal has a 100% record against United's arch-rivals. "It's curious we have beaten Liverpool so many times under me," said Van Gaal this morning as he eyes what would be a record fifth straight victory over the other Reds. Any regular at either stadium would tell you these are not vintage Liverpool and United sides, but their first European encounter will be no less intriguing for it.
Did you know?
United are unbeaten in their most recent six fixtures against domestic rivals in European competition, including the 2008 UEFA Champions League final. Find out more in our extensive match background.