“Humiliating” defeat
Rangnick calls for Klopp style at Man United
4/20/2022, 8:16 am
The defeat is brutal, the criticism relentless: Ralf Rangnick explains what must change after the “embarrassing and humiliating” bankruptcy against rival FC Liverpool at Manchester United. The coach, who acts as an advisor after the season, wants to bring in more Klopp style.
Manchester United’s brutal defeat at the hands of old rivals Liverpool has prompted United manager Ralf Rangnick to deliver another blunt criticism. “It’s embarrassing and disappointing and demeaning,” Rangnick told the BBC after the 4-0 defeat. United had already lost the first leg in Manchester 0-5 and thus conceded more goals against Liverpool than ever before in a Premier League season.
“It was really a good night for everyone with a Liverpool heart,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Luis Diaz (5th minute), double scorer Mohamed Salah (22nd/85th) and Sadio Mané (68th) scored for the Reds, who still have chances of four season titles – the quadruple -. With a game more, Liverpool took the lead in the Premier League, two points ahead of Manchester City, and qualification for the Champions League is already complete with six games to go.
“Show of Class”
Manchester United, on the other hand, missed out on points with Tottenham in fourth place and also played a game more than Spurs. Without many United professionals, the guests at Anfield Road had no chance. “It doesn’t happen often and it won’t happen often again,” Liverpool coach Klopp said of the nine goals scored in the two league games. “But it’s also an exceptional situation because Manchester United aren’t in a good mood and have played more or less without the usual midfield.”
One of those missing was superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent the evening with his family and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez after the death of his newborn son. In the 7th minute, all spectators applauded for around 60 seconds and thus expressed their support after the heavy blow of fate. “That’s exactly how football should be – all rivalries aside at this moment,” said Klopp after the 4-0 win for Liverpool. “There’s only one thing that matters and that was really a show of class.”
“Six Years Advantage”
For Manchester United, an injury to Paul Pogba exacerbated the tense situation. “He pulled his calf muscle,” said Rangnick. “I’m afraid he won’t be available against Arsenal or Chelsea.” Pogba had to leave the field after just ten minutes.
Rangnick made it clear how much has to change in Manchester in order to be able to act at the level of Liverpool again in the future. “You just have to accept that they have a six-year lead. When Jürgen Klopp came and all the changes were made, it took the club – and the city – to a whole new level. That must also happen here in the coming years transfer windows,” warned Rangnick, who will give up his post as interim coach after the season and then act as a consultant for United.
According to media reports, his successor will be Dutchman Erik Ten Hag. According to the newspaper “Guardian”, Ten Hag should receive a three-year contract with the option of another season and make a final decision on transfers together with the club management. In addition, his previous club, Ajax Amsterdam, should receive a transfer fee of two million euros.