Ralf Rangnick tooted his own horn once again after doubling down on comments about Klopp’s signings, and detailed how Man Utd can land a blow on Liverpool on Tuesday night.
The interim Man Utd manager recently made the headlines with his comments on Liverpool’s success. Rangnick was keen to point out that no fewer than six of Liverpool’s first-team squad were either scouted, signed or developed under his tutelage at his plethora of former clubs.
Indeed, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino all have connections with Rangnick.
Mane, Keita, Konate and Minamino were signed by either Leipzig or Salzburg when Rangnick was directing traffic at the Red Bull group.
Matip played under the German at Schalke, while Firmino was brought to Hoffenheim when Rangnick was their manager.
The six have all made an impact at Anfield since signing and Rangnick insisted it’s not a coincidence that Klopp has targeted the same players he previously did elsewhere.
“I didn’t say how much influence I had on those players,” Rangnick initially clarified (via the Manchester Evening News).
“But it’s pretty obvious a big club like Liverpool, one of the best clubs in Europe, have six former players, it’s probably the highest number of players that nobody knew by the time we gave them debuts.
“This has got to do with a similar idea of football. Jurgen and me have known each other for a long time.
“I know how he wants to play. Having six players from former clubs of mine is not a coincidence.”
Rangnick simplifies Liverpool success
Liverpool remain in the mix for an unprecedented quadruple this season. That particular feat has never been achieved by an English side and would surpass United’s famous treble in 1999.
Klopp has masterminded much of Liverpool’s recent success and Rangnick explained why his fellow countryman has been so successful.
Rangnick added: “He is one of the best, if not the best coach. Not only…