Jurgen Klopp insists Ralf Rangnick deserves credit taking charge of a difficult situation at Manchester United mid season – and admits he feels for his fellow German and close friend.
Rangnick’s interim spell in charge of the Red Devils has not gone as well as many expected. Picking up the reigns from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in early December, United’s multi-talented squad continues to under-perform. Known as the Godfather of the Gengenpress, many expected Rangnick to make positive changes at Old Trafford.
However, like many of his predecessors, he has found the going tough at Old Trafford. As things stand, Manchester United are likely to miss out on a Champions League spot. They currently trail fourth-placed Arsenal by six points, having played a game more.
Indeed, Saturday’s costly 3-1 defeat at Emirates Stadium appears to have signalled the end of their chances. You can see the player ratings from the game right here.
It all means Rangnick’s spell in caretaker charge will not live long in the memory. It also signals just how huge a job Erik ten Hag faces when he takes over as manager this summer.
To underline this, Rangnick admits Manchester United’s squad needs ‘open-heart surgery’ in a bid to get stronger.
United’s bad week may have ended in a loss at Arsenal. However, the early damage was done on Tuesday night as Klopp’s Liverpool put them to the sword in a 4-0 success.
Klopp knew Rangnick had tough job
Now Klopp has expressed sympathy for Rangnick. Furthermore, he reckons many of the problems are inherited ones and things than cannot be solved with a quick fix.
He told Sky Sports: “In this situation and moment it was really difficult for United to come here. It is one of those situations where it’s not going well and then you look at the schedule and its like ‘oh my god, we have to go there’. So it was not a perfect set-up for them. Yes we are in a good moment, so it was really difficult for them.
“I can imagine it is…