CITY WON’T FANCY LIVERPOOL EURO TEST: KLOPP
MUSCAT: Team Oman Air started the third day with a flourish, winning the first race to keep the pressure on the overall Muscat event leaders Alinghi.
Following that the team posted a succession of strong podium place finishes — including a further race win — though it was the reigning 2017 Series champions SAP Extreme Sailing Team who hit form with four race wins to ease into second place overall with a narrow four point lead over Oman Air.
With the wind strength up into the mid-teens and a choppy sea state, the foiling GC32 catamarans were able to showcase the excitement of the Extreme Sailing Series, reaching speeds of up to 30 knots to the delight of hundreds of spectators lining the shore at Al Mouj Muscat.
With a further day of racing to go – and with the final race of the event counting for double points — the Oman Air team of skipper Phil Robertson, Pete Greenhalgh, James Wierzbowski, Stewart Dodson and Nasser al Mashari know there is plenty of opportunity for change.
“We had more breeze today and it’s a different boat and a different game — it was a lot of fun to be honest as it’s a good blast to have that kind of wind after a few days of light airs,” said Robertson.
“It’s always nice to come out and win right off the bat, and we had a few other races where we were leading as well, so a good day all in all. We’re loving it,” added the upbeat New Zealander.
“We know what our homework is and there are a few little points to work on, but that’s also a positive. With more breeze again tomorrow, and double points in the last race, there is a lot of pressure on the leading boats to perform LONDON: Jurgen Klopp says Manchester City won’t be happy to have been drawn against Liverpool in a Champions League quarterfinal showdown of Premier League rivals.
Klopp’s side were paired with Premier League leaders City in Friday’s draw and the Reds boss is certain Pep Guardiola’s side will be feeling a little nervous about the prospect.
Although City beat Liverpool 5-0 in September, they suffered their only league defeat this season at Liverpool on January 14.
The Reds raced into a 4-1 lead before settling for a 4-3 victory and Klopp believes that vibrant performance will set the tone for the European rematch.
The quarterfinal first leg will take place at Anfield on April 4 and the decisive return is set for April 10 at Eastlands.
“We’ve lost once and we’ve won once against them in the league. I don’t think they thought before the best draw they could have got is Liverpool. That’s a sign for us and how strong we can be,” Klopp told Liverpool’s website.
“We are for sure not the favourites in this round, but in the last eight there are not a lot of favourites — maybe two of them, Bayern and Barcelona — but thank God it’s football and nothing is decided.”
The tie will be the first meeting between Premier League sides in the Champions League quarterfinals since 2010-11 when Manchester United beat Chelsea.
Facing another English team gives the clash added spice and Klopp is relishing the occasion. again. We will come out with a fresh mind and open to everything, there are a lot of points out there and we will be trying to take them all.”
Oman’s experienced Extreme Sailing Series racer Al Mashari also welcomed the fresher conditions out on the Muscat course.
“We all had a lot of fun out there and the spirit on the boat is good,” he said. “I think it is also great that the many spectators who came down to watch were able to see the excitement of the racing.
“For all of us on Oman Air it is good to know that we have a lot of local support. Muscat is my home so it is a great feeling to be able to race here,” he added.
Overall, Alinghi lead the event with 194 points. SAP are second on 184, with Oman Air hard on their heels with 180 points.
ADDED SPICE “I’ve said it before and it’s still the truth, it’s always common in a draw that you’ll get your neighbour, more or less, but to be honest I don’t mind, really,” he said.
“It is exactly like it was before — we take what we’ve got. Now it’s Manchester City, let’s go.
“We have a few games to play until then, but I am really looking forward to it and we will give it everything.”
Runaway leaders City are 21 points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool, but Klopp hopes the frenzied atmosphere at Anfield on another big European night will prove a key factor.
Asked whether he a special night was in store, Klopp replied: “100 per cent! We are already looking forward to that. And it’s a nice, short trip for our supporters when we go to City.
“We can get a result at home for sure, but it’s obviously a difficult game.
“The good thing is they are the team we know most about. It’s not too cool for England because now only one team can go to the semis. But we will try everything.”— AFP