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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has no problem with nerves – destiny lies in our own hands, says Sir Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish says Manchester City are wasting their time engaging in a “psychological war” for the title and believes Jurgen Klopp has the perfect temperament for the fight.
Dalglish, now a club director, was at his sardonic best fixing his gaze on what he considered City’s transparent attempts to ramp up the pressure on Klopp.
Asked if he thought the champions were above trying to use PR tricks to undermine the Liverpool challenge, Dalglish replied: “I don’t know about that. I saw one yesterday. It was a Man City boy about how they’re stronger. Well, it’s not a weightlifting contest, is it?
“Pep said he would rather be in our position and you say there’s no psychology going on? Don’t listen to them, they aren’t in our position, we’re in our position. Our destiny lies in our hands.
“You get the usual stuff coming towards the end of the season like the psychological warfare. If you support a team you see it one way and the opposition team try to throw a spanner in there. They can try all the psychology they want.
“It’s only what happens on the pitch that is going to count eventually. We are where we are because of what we did together on the pitch and in the stadium. We’ve done most things right this year and if we continue to do most things right, we will be very happy.”
City supporters sang “Jurgen’s cracking up” after their team’s victory at Goodison Park in midweek, prompting another wry observation from Dalglish about claims the Liverpool manager is showing signs of nervousness.
“He must be up for an Academy Award as well, then, because I’ve not seen it. When are the Oscars?” Dalglish said.
“For us, Jurgen is the best person that could possibly be there. There’s no problem with nerves. I think it’s normal to feel nervous. It’s anticipation. We shouldn’t be embarrassed to be sitting up there. Fear the worst? What’s the worst? The worst is relegation, I would imagine.
“I don’t care what stage of the season it is, if you are concentrating on playing a game, you are going to be a bit nervous. Nerves are part and parcel of football. They aren’t something you should worry about.
“It’s been 29 years since we won a league title. That’s a generation and a half nearly – a long wait. If the supporters are a wee bit nervous, then you can understand it, but that doesn’t stop them cheering the boys on. People might be nervous but I was nervous at the start of the season, so I don’t know what nerves has got to do with it.”
With nine English league titles as either a player or manager, Dalglish’s wisdom could be invaluable should Klopp need it. Yet he is not expecting any phone calls.
“I think he’s well educated. I don’t think he needs anyone to tell him about the expectations of Liverpool because they probably match his expectations of himself,” Dalglish said.
“If someone asks anything when you’re sitting having a cup of tea with them, you’re going to make an answer.
“But I’m a dinosaur. He’s not going to come and ask me. I don’t think I’d be fit (to play) anyway.”
Ahead of Saturday’s visit of Bournemouth, Klopp also shrugged off claims that recent Liverpool draws are a sign of tension.
“When I talked to the referee after the (West Ham) game, they say, ‘Now he is nervous’. I am not,” Klopp said.
“I knew this would be a really tough race and here we are. Make yourself ready. Fasten the seat belts and let’s go.”