Anfield was rocking, and Liverpool matched the atmosphere with an energetic and dominant win over Manchester United in Thursday’s first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie between the two rivals.
Daniel Sturridge converted a PK and Roberto Firmino also scored for Liverpool, which set the tone with card-daring tackles (See: Henderson, Jordan) and decisive passing and movement from the get-go.
[ LVG: “Cheap goals” costs United in Europa loss ]
Jurgen Klopp, the heavy metal man himself, felt pretty darn good after the win. He knows his Reds will need to take care of business at Old Trafford next Thursday, but seems cool with enjoying this win for a bit.
From the BBC:“It was not too bad to be honest! We were really good from the first second, everything was there but we could have scored more.
“It was a great atmosphere, I am so pleased for all of the people who have had harder times with us this season. Tonight was the first part of paying them back.
“I want to say thank you to everyone that was involved. That was Liverpool how I knew it before I came here.”
[ MORE: Match recap | 3 things | Sturridge’s PK ]
It’s pretty authentic. Even if it for some reason it wasn’t, Klopp sure knows how to woo a crowd. One day the Anfield set will one day sour of him, but he’s still bringing home smiles in Year One.