Jürgen Klopp enjoyed the record victory in the sunshine. “9-0 is a crazy result. It doesn’t happen that often,” said the Liverpool manager after the demonstration against Bournemouth AFC. “Combined with the weather we had today, it will probably never happen again.”
In the English Premier League, Liverpool have never won so high. Only Manchester United (against Ipswich Town and Southampton FC) and Leicester City (at Southampton FC) also won 9-0. “We’re in a really good mood,” he said.
“We wanted to be ourselves”
The possibly unique experience against the overwhelmed climber has impressed the German coach. “We wanted to show a reaction, to be ourselves. We wanted to be the best version of ourselves,” explained the former Bundesliga coach.
After the false start with two points from three games and the 1: 2 in the rain at archrival Manchester United, his professionals shot away the frustration of the past few weeks. The British newspaper The Times described it as “from catastrophe to carnival”. “Everything was pretty much perfect,” said Klopp.
“Perfect football afternoon for us”
The 55-year-old didn’t have any doubts about his team despite their mixed performances in the new season. Even if there are always failures or suspensions and Sadio Mané’s departure to FC Bayern hurts. “You have to turn a few other screws, that’s our job,” he explained – with the goal gala against Bournemouth as the result. “We all know we needed something like this,” said Klopp. “It was a perfect football afternoon for us.”
Former Hoffenheimer Roberto Firmino played a large part in this with two goals and three assists. “He makes the difference for us,” said the Liverpool coach and raved about the “outstanding” Brazilian: “Top, top.” Another Bundesliga star could play on Merseyside next year. There is said to be an oral agreement with Dortmund’s top midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Guardiola raves about Haaland
Bellingham’s former team-mate Erling Haaland once again caused a stir in England at the weekend. The former Dortmund player scored a hat-trick in 19 minutes in Manchester City’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Goals four, five and six of the season in his fourth appearance for his new club left coach Pep Guardiola almost speechless. “It is amazing. Look at his numbers. Erling did what he’s done since he was born: he scored goals everywhere,” the city coach marveled.
The Norwegian is well on his way to being just the missing piece in Guardiola’s star ensemble. His team was 2-0 down at half-time on Saturday against a low-lying opponent. After Bernardo Silva’s goal came the big performance of the massive attacker.
Haaland chases his father
“City have played without this central striker for so long. There is no doubt that he will be seen as the last piece in the puzzle to finally make it to the Champions League title,” said long-time Premier League goalscorer-turned-TV pundit Alan Shearer.
Haaland also explained that he is there for such games. “To turn things around when we’re in trouble,” said the 22-year-old. If the meeting continues like this, his first goal should be completed quickly.
“My dad will probably still say he scores more Premier League goals than me,” said the forward. Alf-Inge scored 18 times for Nottingham, Leeds and Man City between 1993 and 2003. There are still 13 goals missing for the sole Haaland record. “I’ll chase that,” said Haaland junior.
