Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has heaped the praise on his opposite number this weekend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and claimed ‘there is no doubt he will be the manager next year as well’ while acknowledging the great challenge that lay ahead.
Klopp has hailed Solskjaer’s ability to unlock the potential of his players and believes the Manchester United interim boss has the qualities to manage top teams having made an instant impact at Old Trafford.
United have won eight of nine Premier League matches under Solskjaer to force their way back into the top four, a prospect that looked bleak when former boss Jose Mourinho was sacked in December with the team at sixth.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s league meeting, Klopp said he was impressed by United’s form since a 3-1 defeat by Liverpool which led to the Portuguese manager’s dismissal.
Klopp has said of his coaching counterpart ahead of the rekindling of old rivalries on Sunday: “It must be one of the best records ever, mustn’t it?
“I’m really happy for him. It’s not the best news for us but for all Manchester United fans its brilliant.
“They’ve brought in all the things Sir Alex Ferguson stood for with all the new things in football.
“That makes them a threat again. They are really back on track. Good for them.”
United are looking incredibly dangerous at the present moment and could welcome back Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard this weekend after their injuries. The German compared his experience at Mainz to Solskjaer’s current jump to United from Molde.
“We all needed luck in our managerial careers.
“When I went from Mainz to Dortmund people said I had no international experience. It was true.
“Normally you would not make a move from Norway to Manchester United. That is clear. But he’s shown his qualities.
“He has the quality and the luck in the right moment. Now he’s in charge and there is no doubt he will be the manager next year as well. That is clear.
“Can you imagine if they brought in a new manager? He deserves that 100%.”