‘You over-estimate your influence’ – Jurgen Klopp shuts down Liverpool claim from Sky Sports reporter

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the suggestion that his players were impacted by pre-match expectations against Manchester United.

The Reds were forced to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw against their old rivals, in front of a freshly-expanded Anfield crowd. For all the build-up to the games, Liverpool failed to capitalise on the momentum and missed out on a chance to stay top of the league, falling a point behind Arsenal.

Liverpool had 34 attempts at goal but failed to find the back of the net against Man United. The Reds have been praised in recent weeks for grinding out wins, despite falling below their usual standards. This was not simply two points dropped against a bitter rival but played on existing doubts over whether the Reds have enough quality to sustain a title push.

Klopp’s side have enjoyed some famous victories over Man United, including a 7-0 win in their previous meeting at Anfield, and were expected to take full advantage of their injury-hit opponents on Sunday. Man United were also predicted to be low on confidence after losing to Bournemouth in the Premier League and finishing bottom of their Champions League group..

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“In the lead-up to the match, from us, not from you I have to say, there was a lot of talk ‘It was 7-0 last time, Manchester United are not in good form, Liverpool will run all over them,’” a Sky Sport reporter told Kopp in his post-match interview.

The Liverpool boss was asked: “Do you think your team dealt well with the mood around the match, the expectation?” However, Klopp rejected the suggestion that his side had been affected by the pre-match build-up.