Klopp fears Van Gaal has Manchester United masterplan ahead of mega-clash
By Coral Barry
Jurgen Klopp expects Louis Van Gaal to have a masterplan to inspire a remarkable Manchester United turnaround on Thursday night.
United trail 2-0 in the Europa League tie but Klopp believes Van Gaal’s plan will be much more nuanced than just the predicted all-out attack.
The Liverpool manager suggested Van Gaal is far too smart to sanction such a reckless approach.
“Maybe Manchester United will take maximum risk from the first second but Louis van Gaal is a very experienced manager, he will have a plan,” said Klopp speaking in his press conference on Wednesday ahead of the game.
Liverpool were comfortable winners at Anfield a week ago and know that one away goal at the Theatre of Dreams could effectively end the contest.
United’s beating did not end with the final whistle as fans and former players vented their fury at such a lacklustre display against the club’s most bitter rivals.
Klopp expects a response from Van Gaal’s side and acknowledges the tie is far from dead.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager said: “I am not worried. The ball is round, right? Anything can happen and that’s how it is but I am not scared or afraid.
“We made the best thing we could do in the first game. We made our position a little bit better.
“It is not perfect, it is not 5-0 or 6-0, it is not a holiday tomorrow.”
In other Liverpool news, the Reds may be forced into a late change after an injury to a key player.