Jurgen Klopp: Relationship with Rangnick ‘on hold’ for Manchester United clash 

Jurgen Klopp has revealed his relationship with Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is on hold ahead of Tuesday’s clash.

The Liverpool manager has not spoken to his former mentor since he was appointed at Old Trafford last November.

“On hold”, he said when asked about their relationship.

“We didn’t have contact since he was at United. I respect his job, he respects my job.”

Former friends turned foe

He was sympathetic to the expectations that have been placed upon his compatriot since he took to the dugout in November.

Klopp said: “Big expectations, no time to get there because it is like this in our business.

“Ralf tried to organise the team, bring in a clear structure.

“United played some really good games, but even when they win it is difficult to gain momentum,” he added.

However, when talking about his side’s preparation for the game, Klopp dismissed the importance of the relationship.

“When we prepare the United game I didn’t think about Ralf in that moment.

“It’s a very important game but the managers probably won’t score the decisive goal.”

Salah blows cold, Mané red hot

Two players who might are Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, they have been in different veins of form since they returned from AFCON.

“It is a completely normal spell he is going through. The moment will definitely come.” he said.

When was asked whether Luis Diaz’s arrival was the catalyst for Sadio Mané’s recent form, Klopp’s response was empathic.

“I’ve known Sadio nearly six years, as far as I have known him he’s never needed competition to be the best version of himself. That was not the reason for bringing in Luis (Diaz).”

He acknowledged that AFCON had led to some physical struggles for the Senegalese star.

“He couldn’t use his immense physicality every few days. Before City, I thought it looks like Sadio physically and that is why he was able to play the game he played.”

Jurgen’s preparation problems?

The German was once again critical of the lack of time in-between games for his side after their 3-2 FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester City.

“Today is Monday, tomorrow we play. I would prefer always to have time to recover and time to prepare, but that is wishful thinking,” he said.

Regardless of a lack of preparation, focus is not an issue for the Reds.

“Whatever would have happened three days ago, we would be focused on the Manchester United game.”

There is no doubt about motivation, it is one of the first games that the manager looks for when the fixtures are announced.

However, there is more than just bragging rights at stake.

“United will go for it, and we have to make sure that if they want to qualify for the Champions League, they will have to do so without our points.”

Liverpool can go top of the table and put pressure on Manchester City ahead of their game on Wednesday.