Premier League
9-0 gala makes Klopp rave: “It will never happen again”
Liverpool FC players celebrate Virgil van Dijk’s (M) goal to make it 5-0. photo
© Peter Byrne/PA Wire/dpa
Liverpool FC achieve a record success with their first win of the season in the Premier League. A former Bundesliga professional stands out. City may have found the missing piece of the puzzle.
Jürgen Klopp enjoyed the record victory in the sunshine. “9-0 is a crazy result. It doesn’t happen that often,” said the Liverpool manager after the demonstration against Bournemouth AFC. “Combined with the weather we had today, it will probably never happen again.”
In the English Premier League, Liverpool has not yet won that high. Only Manchester United (against Ipswich Town and Southampton FC) and Leicester City (at Southampton FC) also won 9-0. “We’re in a really good mood,” he said.
Klopp: “We wanted to show a reaction”
The possibly unique experience against the overwhelmed climber has impressed the German coach. “We wanted to show a reaction, to be ourselves. We wanted to be the best version of ourselves,” explained the former Bundesliga coach.
After the false start with two points from three games and the 1: 2 in the rain at archrival Manchester United, his professionals shot away the frustration of the past few weeks. “From catastrophe to carnival” is how the British newspaper “The Times” described it. “Everything was pretty much perfect,” said Klopp.
The 55-year-old didn’t have any doubts about his team despite their mixed performances in the new season. Even if there are always failures or suspensions and Sadio Mané’s departure to FC Bayern hurts. “You have to turn a few other screws, that’s our job,” he explained – with the goal gala against Bournemouth as the result. “We all know we needed something like this,” said Klopp. “It was a perfect football afternoon for us.”
Former Hoffenheimer Roberto Firmino played a large part in this with two goals and three assists. “He makes the difference for us,” said the Liverpool coach and raved about the “outstanding” Brazilian: “Top, top.” Another Bundesliga star could play on Merseyside next year. There is said to be an oral agreement with Dortmund’s top midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Haaland scores three goals against Palace
Bellingham’s former team-mate Erling Haaland once again caused a stir in England at the weekend. In Manchester City’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace, the ex-Dortmunder scored a hat-trick within 19 minutes. His goals four, five and six of the season in his fourth appearance for his new club left coach Pep Guardiola almost speechless. “It’s amazing. Look at his numbers. Erling has done what he has done since birth: he scored goals everywhere,” marveled the city coach.
The Norwegian is well on his way to being just the missing piece in Guardiola’s star ensemble. His team was 2-0 down at half-time on Saturday against a low-lying opponent. After Bernardo Silva’s goal came the big performance of the massive attacker. “City have played without that central striker for so long. There is no doubt that he will be seen as the last piece in the puzzle to finally win the Champions League,” said the long-time Premier League goalscorer-turned-TV pundit Alan Shearer.
Haaland also explained that he is there for such games. “To turn things around when we’re in trouble,” said the 22-year-old. If the meeting continues like this, his first goal should be completed quickly. “My father will probably still say he scores more Premier League goals than me,” said the forward. Alf-Inge scored 18 times for Nottingham, Leeds and Man City between 1993 and 2003. There are still 13 goals missing for the sole Haaland record. “I’ll chase that,” said Haaland junior.