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13th Sep 2016

Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised Jurgen Klopp’s Europa League final tactics

Sevilla blitzed Liverpool in the second half of the game

Robert Redmond

We doubt Liverpool fans will appreciate any constructive criticism of their team from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The former Manchester United manager analysed the 2016 Europa League final as part of Uefa’s team of technical experts, and his views on Jurgen Klopp’s tactics for the game have been published in a technical report.

Liverpool got off to a great start in the game, and went into half-time leading 1-0 thanks a brilliant Daniel Sturridge goal.

However, Sevilla blitzed their opponents in the second-half, and retained their title thanks to a goal from Kevin Gameiro and a brace from right-back, Coke.

Liverpool v Sevilla - UEFA Europa League Final

Liverpool dominated the first-half of the game, pinning their opponents back and looked in complete control of the game until an error by left-back Alberto Moreno allowed Sevilla back into the game early in the second period.

Ferguson argues in the report that, rather than individual errors, Liverpool lost the game because they simply ran out of steam due to the high-pressing tactics deployed by Klopp throughout the season.

“In the second half Liverpool had no energy, they could not get to the ball,” Ferguson said.

“The space in midfield became bigger. I never had a team who could press a ball all season.”

However, despite that criticism, Ferguson has been complimentary of the Liverpool manager in the past, and said that he was worried about the potential positive effect the German could have on the club.

“He’s going to make a difference at that club with his personality, drive and knowledge. Things are looking up there. I’m worried about him because the one thing United don’t want is Liverpool to get above us.”

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