Klopp responds to Scholes comments over Man Utd display

Joe Williams
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp smiles

Jurgen Klopp has dismissed claims by Paul Scholes that the Liverpool boss would be “rubbing his hands together” after Man Utd’s victory over Atalanta.

The Red Devils staged a dramatic second-half comeback to bounce back from two goals down to beat the Serie A side 3-2 in the Champions League.

Man Utd were very open at the back in the first half with the Italian side causing them a lot of problems, leading to former Man Utd midfielder Scholes fearing the worst against Liverpool this weekend.


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“You celebrate every win but the first half really worried me,” Scholes told BT Sport. “People are going to say I’m miserable, and maybe I’m going to be slagged off by United fans, but I looked at that game thinking about the Liverpool game.

“That first half, United had two midfielders playing on their own and if they do that against Liverpool and City they’ll be four down by half-time.

“Yes, it’s great seeing the excitement and them attacking. It’s brilliant, but that first half has stuck with me. They’ve come back with great spirit but they conceded so many chances, and if you’re playing against quality players there’s no way you can win that game.

“People will get carried away but will he play that way on Sunday? Go and do that on Sunday and see what happens.

“Jurgen Klopp will be rubbing his hands together.”

The Red Devils have only won three of their last eight matches in all competitions, while Liverpool are unbeaten so far this campaign.

However, Klopp has dismissed Scholes’ remarks and claims he is preparing for a “tough game” against United on Sunday.

“I was watching the game and there was not one second where I was rubbing my hands together, I can say that,” Klopp said. “There was no reason for it.

“Atalanta caused United problems in the first half but even in that half, United had three clear-cut chances. Second half was a demonstration of United going for it, which can cause problems.

“I’m preparing the team for a tough game against a really good opponent.”