Rangnick calls for defensive stability ahead of Liverpool game
MANCHESTER (REUTERS) - Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick on Monday (April 18) urged his side to display more defensive solidity ahead of a crucial run-in that will determine Champions League qualification and likely define his tenure as interim boss.
Rangnick, who succeeded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November last year, has struggled to turn around United's season following a dismal start, with the team three points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur in fourth spot in the English Premier League standings.
"We need to be more compact, we need to find the right balance of what we do in possession of the ball and what we need to do in order to defend our own goal," Rangnick told reporters ahead of Tuesday's visit to second-placed Liverpool.
"For sure, we need to be more compact, more aggressive... this is what we need to show tomorrow against a team that is probably one of the best in creating moments which they can be dangerous from in and around the box. We need to be at our very best defensively."
Rangnick said that Liverpool, who trail leaders Manchester City by a point, will start as favourites but his side were capable of causing an upset.
"Although we might be the underdogs for most people, we still know that if we raise our level, if we play a top performance, then we have a chance to get three points. This will be our ambition and goal for tomorrow," he added.
The German confirmed that midfielder Bruno Fernandes was involved in a car crash earlier on Monday but escaped unhurt and will be available against Liverpool.
"Yes, he was training with the team, obviously the accident happened on the way to Carrington. As far as I know, no one was injured. He was OK and he'll be OK for tomorrow," he said.
Defender Raphael Varane, however, is likely to miss out again after having sat out the last two league games due to a muscle problem.
"He didn't train with the team, he was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches. In regard to injuries, we have the same situation as we had in the last two games," added Rangnick.
Midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay, left-back Luke Shaw and striker Edinson Cavani are the others out injured.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described Tuesday's game with United as a clash between "two of the biggest clubs in the world" and said his team were in for a stern test despite the opposition's struggles this season.
"It's a big game, a massive game, two of the biggest clubs in the world. Always we have to learn to deal with it," Klopp told reporters on Monday.
"The Man United we will face, they will go for it. They want to go to the Champions League. It will be an intense 90 minutes... it's an incredibly important game again for both teams. That says it all. Both teams are fighting."
The German also commended his opposite number Rangnick for the job he had done since taking over on an interim basis at Old Trafford last year.
"I haven't spoken to him since he has been in England out of respect, but you can see the changes he has made there and the parts he has improved," said Klopp of his compatriot.
"Ralf tried to organise them with a clear structure. That is what he did. United have played some really good games but, even when they win, it's difficult to gain momentum. But they concede less now for sure."
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah will be looking for his first goal from open play since Feb 19 against United at Anfield but Klopp added he was unfazed by the Egyptian's barren spell.
"It's a completely normal spell he is going through. We've spoken about the physical demands. I liked the game against City (FA Cup semi-final) a lot, it was a really good football game, only a question of time before he scores again," he said.
"We have had plenty of talks over the time we have worked together and at this specific moment, there is no need to talk about the situation."
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now