Sir Alex Ferguson: Jurgen Klopp got Liverpool tactics wrong in Europa League final

By Jefferson Lake

Wednesday 14 September 2016 11:07, UK

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Jurgen Klopp got his Liverpool tactics wrong in last season's Europa League final defeat.

But the legendary former Manchester United manager says Klopp and Liverpool suit each other perfectly and praised the German for making an instant connection with the Anfield supporters.

Ferguson was giving his thoughts in UEFA's Europa League technical report, which evaluated last season's competition, in his capacity as the head of the governing body's technical advisors.

Liverpool were beaten 3-1 by Sevilla in the final of the Europa League, the third time in succession the Spanish club have won the tournament.

Ferguson reported that he felt Klopp's insistence on a pressing game was partly to blame for the loss inflicted on Liverpool, who conceded three times in the second half after leading 1-0 through Daniel Sturridge's goal at the break.

"Sevilla didn't enjoy Liverpool's tackling and determination in the first half," he says. "But they started off after half-time with a more positive attitude and getting the goal right away changed the whole game.

"In the second half, Liverpool had no energy, they could not get to the ball,. The space in midfield became bigger. I never had a team who could press a ball all season."

Ferguson does, however, feel that Liverpool and Klopp will be a good combination and that the relationship between manager and supporters will make it increasingly difficult for visiting teams to get results at Anfield.

"I've always thought that playing at Anfield was very difficult," he said. "Because the crowd create an amazing atmosphere that puts a lot of teams, opponents and the referees under pressure a lot.

"We saw evidence of that when 3-1 down against Dortmund they got that second goal and the crowd lifted them and I think it inspires this team.

"They are that kind of football club, Liverpool, that get inspired by their support."

And he added: "He's bought into the fans. And the support have taken to him because he's shown that enthusiasm on the touchline, with his energy and his personality when he's jumping out there.

"I think the combination of both suit each other."