KICK IN THE TEETH
Klopp: This was the moment that defined the season, it made City believe they were near unbeatable
JURGEN KLOPP claims Sadio Mane’s controversial dismissal at the Etihad in September was the catalyst for Manchester City’s incredible season.
Klopp says there was little to choose between Liverpool and City’s form going into that game before a first-half red card helped Blues romp to a 5-0 win.
Mane was dismissed in the 37th minute for a high challenge on City keeper Ederson and Klopp says the result gave City the confidence to reel off a record 18-game winning run in the league.
“We played there a few months ago,” said the Liverpool boss. “It was for me one of the stranger games of my career.
“We were really good in the game, slightly the better side with slightly the better chances.
“It was an open game with both teams on the front foot. But then we had the red card and it changed the game and, maybe for Manchester City, the season.
“They didn’t do too bad before that, but after that they were like ‘Ah, we’re really good.’
“Until the City game, I think we were pretty much level. After that game, we struggled a bit and City didn’t. They used the momentum and we suffered a little.
“We lost Sadio, and Phil (Coutinho) was not really 100 per cent fit. It was a different situation.
“But since we recovered, it’s not like they have collected 500 points and we are minus 70.”
Klopp (above) says Liverpool have not forgotten that defeat ahead of tomorrow’s showdown at Anfield, but warned his players they will lose if they are motivated only by revenge.
The German says Liverpool must be focused on their game-plan and said: “Sometimes you get the opportunity to put things right and, yes, that was not a nice day.
“So revenge would be one part of our motivation. But if it’s the only one, we don’t have a chance.”
Virgil van Dijk is set to face City after snubbing them to join Liverpool in a £75million deal, but Klopp claims he is not guaranteed to start every game, despite his impressive debut against Everton last week.
“I think the Everton game showed it is possible to adapt him to the team,” he said. “We have to say that it was a really good game.
“He’s not guaranteed a starting place and that’s no problem because he shouldn’t be. Even Virgil van Dijk should not play 60 games a season.”