Gary Neville has labelled Jurgen Klopp as ‘clever’ for the tactical changes he made as Liverpool beat Watford 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday, as he told Sky Sports.
The Old Trafford legend pointed out that he ‘watched Liverpool’ in action yesterday lunchtime, as he highlighted Joe Gomez playing at right-back, Sadio Mane being on the bench, as well as Luis Diaz, with Fabinho coming on later on in the game.
Whilst the Reds still had to get the job done against relegation-threatened Watford, at the end of the day, they do have bigger fish to fry.
Two teams – Benfica and Manchester City – but three types of ingredients they have to deal with during these coming weeks, which are taking place in the Champions League, Premier League title race and FA Cup.
Whilst Liverpool moved to the top of the table for a brief period yesterday, Manchester City also got the job done at Burnley, as Neville stated that both Klopp and Pep Guardiola are ‘absolutely wonderful’.
“I watched Liverpool,” said Neville. “Gomez plays right-back. He has Mane on the bench. Diaz is on the bench. Doesn’t play Fabinho and then brings him on later on in the game.
“So, he is clever Jurgen Klopp. He’s got Benfica twice. Manchester City twice. Massive games coming up. And he is starting to put a plan in place. But he has got such a great squad. Great firepower.
“I thought it might be a little bit awkward for Manchester City. But they responded well. Liverpool weren’t brilliant. But they got the job done.
“Liverpool and Man City are exceptional teams. They are able to fall below their best, get the job done and do it comfortably because they have authority and strength. Right the way through the club. The managers, in particular, are absolutely wonderful.”
With his Manchester United hat on, someone like Gary Neville isn’t going to exactly enjoy what will unfold during these coming weeks.
One of Liverpool and Man City have the chance to, qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League, book another Wembley final and take charge of the title race.
Either way, those at Old Trafford, who are enjoying a torrid season, are going to hate the fact that one of their rivals will come out on top.
Either way, if Amazon are taking note, then they could make a series out of both Liverpool and Man City’s recent rivalry alone.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
