JOSE MOURINHO hailed Manchester United’s “controlled” performance as they halted Liverpool’s momentum in an Anfield stalemate last night.
United’s workmanlike display earned them a point and stopped their arch rivals from drawing level at the top – although they needed two outstanding saves from goalkeeper David de Gea in the second half to keep them in the game.
But Mourinho said: “It is not the result we wanted but it is a positive result, it is a result that stops a direct opponent getting three points at home, so not a bad result.
“The game was difficult for both teams but for longer periods it was more difficult for them than us. We controlled the game not just tactically but the emotion of the game, that was probably the quietest Anfield I have experienced and I was expecting it to be the other way.
“I think it was a positive performance. We had control of the game – there were two amazing saves by De Gea it’s true but they were out of context.
“The reaction from their crowd was permanent disappointment. People expected us to come here and be really in trouble, which we were not.
“The team was always comfortable, we lacked a little bit of sharpness in more attacking positions. There was a moment I thought about playing Rashford in the Pogba position behind Zlatan but then the kid had cramps.
This is a point that stopped them winning three. Other candidates for the title have easier fixtures at moment and it is important to keep close to them – our opportunity to get five wins in a row will come.”
Klopp accused Liverpool of a lack of “bravery” in their decision-making.
The German was frustrated his team failed to produce their normal high-tempo performance as they were held to only their second goal-less draw since he took over a year ago.
“We started OK but immediately with their defending we weren’t brave anymore - we didn’t wait for the right pass.
"They didn’t create chances, maybe two in the second half. De Gea made two or three great saves but in the end our performance was not what it should be.
“We weren’t calm enough, that is United’s style that is OK you need to have respect but be cool. That is not the way we want to play but I accept it we got a point, there are worse things in the world.It is a first clean sheet, so yippee.”
And Mourinho could not resist a dig at all the praise that has been lavished on Liverpool and Klopp.
“You like to say they are the last wonders of the world in attacking football but they also defend and think defensively.”
He defended United’s 35 per cent possession rate. “How many shots on target did Liverpool have on target today? Two. Two shots on target with 65 per cent of possession, you have to be critical of Liverpool. It is their problem, not our problem."
But Mourinho said: “It is not the result we wanted but it is a positive result, it is a result that stops a direct opponent getting three points at home, so not a bad result.
“The game was difficult for both teams but for longer periods it was more difficult for them than us. We controlled the game not just tactically but the emotion of the game, that was probably the quietest Anfield I have experienced and I was expecting it to be the other way.
“I think it was a positive performance. We had control of the game – there were two amazing saves by De Gea it’s true but they were out of context.
“The reaction from their crowd was permanent disappointment. People expected us to come here and be really in trouble, which we were not.
“The team was always comfortable, we lacked a little bit of sharpness in more attacking positions. There was a moment I thought about playing Rashford in the Pogba position behind Zlatan but then the kid had cramps.
This is a point that stopped them winning three. Other candidates for the title have easier fixtures at moment and it is important to keep close to them – our opportunity to get five wins in a row will come.”
Klopp accused Liverpool of a lack of “bravery” in their decision-making.
The German was frustrated his team failed to produce their normal high-tempo performance as they were held to only their second goal-less draw since he took over a year ago.
"They didn’t create chances, maybe two in the second half. De Gea made two or three great saves but in the end our performance was not what it should be.
“We weren’t calm enough, that is United’s style that is OK you need to have respect but be cool. That is not the way we want to play but I accept it we got a point, there are worse things in the world.It is a first clean sheet, so yippee.”
And Mourinho could not resist a dig at all the praise that has been lavished on Liverpool and Klopp.
“You like to say they are the last wonders of the world in attacking football but they also defend and think defensively.”
He defended United’s 35 per cent possession rate. “How many shots on target did Liverpool have on target today? Two. Two shots on target with 65 per cent of possession, you have to be critical of Liverpool. It is their problem, not our problem."
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