Frustration ‘will motivate Liverpool’
Juergen Klopp insists Liverpool will use the frustration of their dramatic draw with Manchester United to avoid FA Cup humiliation at fourth tier Plymouth.
Klopp’s side were denied a memorable victory over bitter rivals United when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed a late equaliser at Old Trafford on Sunday.
James Milner’s first half penalty had put the Reds in front, but they couldn’t add a killer second goal and paid the price when Ibrahimovic struck in the 84th minute to leave Liverpool seven points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.
It was a painful lesson in the value of a lethal forward, something Liverpool have sorely missed for much of the season, and especially during their current run of four games without a win in all competitions.
One of those draws came against plucky Plymouth, who took advantage of Klopp’s decision to rest all his established stars and send out Liverpool’s youngest ever line-up in a goalless third round encounter at Anfield earlier this month. It was a day to remember for Plymouth and the minnows fancy their chances of causing a famous shock in the replay at Home Park if Klopp fields another weakened team.
But the Reds boss is confident his squad will recover from their blip sooner rather than later.
“A lot of people thought playing United was a decisive game for the rest of the season. That’s rubbish,” said Klopp, whose side will host second tier Wolves in the fourth round if they beat Plymouth.
“We went there to win the game which is why we are not 100% satisfied. It was a wild game. I hoped we would have a bit of luck, unfortunately not but it’s all good. I can enjoy the result today and the performance tomorrow.”