Mourinho parks bus as United make point
JOSE MOURINHO last night stifled the life out of what should have been one of the most eagerly anticipated Premier League games of the season so far. The Manchester United boss threw a defensive blanket across Anfield to earn a yawn-inducing goalless draw. The Portuguese, whose last meeting with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ended in the humiliation of a 3-1 home defeat in his last weeks at Chelsea, killed any entertainment value by setting out a six-man defence. United still needed goalkeeper David de Gea to make two outstanding saves from Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho to deny Liverpool the win they needed to join Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table. ‘It was a very difficult game but more difficult for them than us,’ said Mourinho afterwards. ‘We
kept control of the game for long periods and started really well. ‘De Gea made good saves, but they were isolated from the context of the game. It was under control. We controlled the emotion. ‘Tactically, from a defensive view, we did really well. ‘We did not want to control the ball all of the time. We knew they would press. We know the transition. When they lose the ball, they press high. ‘So we had to adapt to the situation. We always thought we could score to win the match, but they are a very good team.’ Rival Klopp added: ‘I am not frustrated, but I am not happy. ‘No one will show this game in ten or 20 years, but we could have played better. ‘Their kind of defence is difficult to play (against). The man marking is really difficult. They are stronger than us. ‘We wasted energy in the first half for nothing. The second half was better and with fresher legs we could have created more. ‘They had their chance. Ibrahimovic would normally score, but not today. ‘We defended well and fought like you expect. ‘But we can play better and be more patient, cool and calm. ‘We got a point. It doesn’t feel like the best thing but it is what we got. ‘It was a hectic game, but we lost patience with our passing game.’