Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has posited that huge credit for Liverpool’s historic Champions League semi-final comeback win against Barcelona should go to boss Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds confounded Barcelona with sheer spirit fightback at Anfield on Tuesday to win 4-0, cancelling out their 3-0 loss at Camp Nou in the first leg.
The duo of Georginio Wijnaldum and Divock Origi scored a brace each to sum up Barcelona’s misery at Anfield.
“I didn’t expect it, I said impossible is nothing, I said if it’s possible, Anfield is one of the places to make the impossible be possible,” Mourinho told beIN SPORTS of Liverpool historic feat.
“I have to say, this remontada(comeback) has one name, Jurgen.
“I think this was not about tactics or philosophy, but heart and soul and empathy that he created with this group of players.
“They (Liverpool) had a risk of finishing a fantastic season without anything to celebrate and now they are one step from being European champions. I think Jurgen deserves it.
“The work they are doing in Liverpool is fantastic. I think this is about him. This is a reflection of his personality, never giving up, the fighting spirit, every player giving everything.
“He is not crying because he is missing a player or playing 50-60 per season. Coaches in other leagues say their players play too many matches. Everything about today is because of Jurgen’s mentality.
” I repeat, Jurgen is the man responsible for this achievement from his fantastic personality, his fantastic mentality. The team was there and the team believed.”
Ajax host Tottenham Hotspur today (Wednesday) at the Johan Cruyff Arena in the other semi-final second leg. Spurs lost the first leg 1-0 at their new stadium.
The winner of the Ajax – Tottenham Hotspur clash will confront Liverpool in the final billed to hold at the Wanda Metropolitan Stadium, Madrid, on June 1 2019.
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COMMENTS
I agree with Mourinho on this. Kloop is a world class coach. Right from when he was with Dortmund he has always been admirable. Respectful and knowledgeable. Manchester United need such an organizer. I just have a feeling, if Liverpool wins this Champion League, he will retire and come back after a year’s rest. Its just my gut feeling. I understand your feelings but that is what oyibo men do.