Jurgen Klopp v Jose Mourinho focus

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Updated: October 18, 2016
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Jose Mourinho went to Anfield for the first time as Manchester United manager and came away with a point in a turgid goalless draw against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Here, we look at how the two bosses matched up.

TACTICS

Mourinho’s game-plan was no surprise: men behind the ball – often six strung along the penalty area – and spoil and frustrate. He employed exactly the same tactics here as Chelsea manager in 2014 and won 2-0 to derail Liverpool’s title bid.

Klopp stuck to his principles and tried to implement a high-tempo game but it was more often than not broken down. The German could not conjure up a way of breaking down the packed defence.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Klopp’s decision to send on Adam Lallana, Liverpool’s best player this season, for Daniel Sturridge on the hour brought new life to the game as Liverpool began to find gaps in United’s massed ranks. Divock Origi was another positive move but with five minutes remaining was probably too late.

Mourinho waited until 13 minutes from time to make his first change, with Wayne Rooney replacing Marcus Rashford but it did not change the direction of the game or result.

DEMEANOUR:

Uncharacteristically, Mourinho was the more animated of the two, spending more time in his technical area and urging his players to stick to the game plan.

Klopp was more reserved than normal, especially for such a big game, and kept his outbursts to a minimum as frustration took over.