EPL: Klopp and Ten Hag react to 2-2 draw at Old Trafford

Jurgen Klopp and Erik Ten Hag have expressed mixed emotions after both teams settled for a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. Luis Diaz’s 23rd-minute score was the Reds’ only reward for a dominant first half performance, but the slim lead was eroded by the halfway point of the second period, with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo responding for United.

With only seven games remaining this season, the Premier League title battle has become even more competitive, with the second-placed Reds trailing Arsenal on goal difference but one point ahead of Manchester City.

What did Jurgen Klopp say?

Speaking to Sky Sports, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “In the end, we should have won the game. That is clear. We controlled the game and scored the first goal. We should have had other goals in the first half. They had no shots at all in the first half.

“It is a point at Manchester United. I know how people will see it. Two points lost and stuff. As far as I am concerned, we have a point more than we did before the game.

“It is an away game at Manchester United. For us, away games here are more special for all other teams. For us (Liverpool), they (Manchester United) put an extra shift in.”

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What did Erik ten Hag say?

Ten Hag, who has stayed unbeaten against Liverpool this season, said he won’t change his playing style despite the draw.

“It’s clear when you play Chelsea, when you play Liverpool, it will be a transition game. They are both top  teams. Both teams want to play and will leave space for others.

“I thought that there were moments where we could’ve done better reactions in defensive transitions, but in general we did very well. We conceded only goals from two set plays. In our transitions, we could’ve done even better — for example (Alejandro) Garnacho and Bruno. Already after a couple of minutes we should’ve took the lead.

“I look always for better rest defence,” he added. “Are our decisions on the ball better? Go for goal, be direct or keep the ball; otherwise, we stretch the pitch. And then it’s about how we use, looking for reactions. The behaviour of the players. What positions do we take?”

Despite dropping points from a winning position for the third time in the last week, Ten Hag felt proud of his team’s performance. “Very mixed emotions. On one side I am disappointed that we have dropped seven points in one week after being in winning positions, but we have to blame ourselves for making stupid mistakes. On the other side, I am very proud.

“You see how we are improving and the potential of this squad is amazing – I am proud. In decisive areas, we were losing battles especially with young players we were not confident to win them [duels]. We encouraged them in the second half to do better and they stepped up.”

The two points missed at home will undoubtedly affect the Red Devils, who are gradually drifting away from their goal of finishing in the top four and securing a Champions League spot for the following season. They are now 11 points behind Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, which are fourth and fifth in the league, respectively. Ten Hag’s side will look to get back on track on Saturday when they meet Bournemouth in a challenging Premier League away encounter.