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Man United should make Solskjaer permanent manager, says Klopp

Head coach Juergen Klopp of FC Liverpool gestures during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Liverpool and FC Bayern Muenchen at Anfield on February 19, 2019 in Liverpool, England.
Head coach Juergen Klopp of FC Liverpool gestures during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Liverpool and FC Bayern Muenchen at Anfield on February 19, 2019 in Liverpool, England.
Image: TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images

Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be made Manchester United’s permanent manager and praised the Norwegian for being able to combine everything United stood for under Alex Ferguson with a modern tactical approach.

Liverpool, whose 3-1 win over United at Anfield in December led to Jose Mourinho’s sacking and Solskjaer’s appointment until the end of the season, head to Old Trafford for the reverse fixture on Sunday.

Solskjaer’s impact on a team that was labouring under Mourinho has surpassed expectations, and he has guided United into fourth place in the Premier League on the back of a run of eight wins and a draw in nine league games since taking charge.

“It must be one of the best records ever, mustn’t it?” Juergen told a pre-match news conference on Friday. “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.

“Now he’s in charge and there’s 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 (the job) 100%.“

Liverpool head to Old Trafford placed second in the league on goal difference behind Manchester City, who have played one game more.

Klopp said Solskjaer’s success was built on the Norwegian being able to get the best out of players such as Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and others, who struggled under Mourinho earlier in the season.

“They have found a solution and it has worked out,” Klopp added. “We see that with Pogba and with Herrera in outstanding shape. They were all good before and now they are full of confidence and use their potential.

“It’s not that we go there and we are a weak opponent... we are a pretty well organised football team with a lot of potential. If we can (live up to it), then it will be a tough one for United.”

Liverpool centrebacks Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez will miss the game due to injury.

Premier League this weekend (SA times) -

Friday:

Cardiff City v Watford (Cardiff City Stadium, 9.45pm)

West Ham United v Fulham (London Stadium, 9.45pm)

Saturday:

Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur (Turf Moor, 2.30pm)

Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town (St. James’ Park, 5pm)

AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Vitality Stadium, 5pm)

Leicester City v Crystal Palace (King Power Stadium, 7.30pm)

Sunday:

Manchester United v Liverpool (Old Trafford, 4.05pm)

Arsenal v Southampton (Emirates Stadium, 4.05pm)

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