United legend criticizes Reds boss
Sir Alex Ferguson has criticized Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, claiming that his team’s loss in the Europa League Final at the end of last season was down to him.
The Reds lost the final 3-1 in Basel to Spanish side Sevilla, despite going a goal up before half time through Daniel Sturridge.
However, an equaliser 20 seconds into the second half from Kevin Gameiro and 2 goals from Coke secured Sevilla their 3rd Europa League triumph in a row.
And Ferguson has pinpointed Klopp’s tactics as the reason for their defeat, believing their high-pressing game cost Liverpool players valuable energy.
“In the second half Liverpool had no energy, they could not get to the ball,” he said in a Uefa report.
“The space in midfield became bigger. I never had a team who could press a ball all season.”
Ferguson, while criticising the Reds and their German coach, praised La Liga champions Barcelona.
The Scot believes their ability to recycle their footballing philosophy is what has made them the best team in the world over the past few years.
“Where they had had a carousel of possession with no central striker they now have three excellent front strikers and play far more positively in terms of penetration,” Ferguson added.
“They’re still looking for a different way of playing. I think that’s been the big change, for me, in the last two years.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
