Jurgen Klopp has singled out Liverpool’s passion as the most pleasing aspect of his side’s 4-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad today.
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City manager Manuel Pellegrini was at a loss to explain his side’s shortcomings and claimed that his players could not have played worse had they tried.
“I was not happy with the performance of the whole side. It was a complete disaster”. “It was a fake night, a fake game and if we meant to do it on goal, we couldn’t have done it that badly”. “We could have had one or two more but everything is okay”.
“I am more than angry, it is unbelievable the performance we had”, said Pellegrini. Liverpool were able to cut through the City defense in the 23rd minute, as Roberto Firmino did an excellent job of finding central midfielder Phillipe Coutinho, who delivered a one-time shot from close range past Joe Hart.
The previous fixtures before the worldwide break was also not a good one for Klopp and his Reds – they were beaten 2-1 at home by Crystal Palace in the German’s first defeat since he took charge.
They will be keen to maintain their place at the top of the table, which they could lose temporarily to Manchester United or Arsenal, as they play earlier in the day.
An Eliaquim Mangala own goal was followed by Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino strikes, capping a sensational start from Klopp’s men.
Pellegrini said: “I always say that Raheem is a very young player. I hope he can react well enough”. “He trained for 10-12 days with us without interruption, which is very important”.
‘It is our responsibility that Liverpool fans don’t want to miss one single second, ‘ he said. Klopp has been boosted by the return to fitness of Daniel Sturridge, who is available for selection as are James Milner and Jordon Ibe, despite missing global duty with England and the England U21’s respectively.
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He added: “It’s always unusual coming back to a club, I was here for five years and have lots of friends here”. You have to take your game to the next level.
