Gary Neville believes that Jurgen Klopp's post-match comments about Tottenham Hotspur prove why Antonio Conte was not the right fit for Manchester United.
Champions League-chasing Spurs put in a dogged backs-to-the-wall performance against the Reds on Saturday evening to leave Anfield with a point and damage the Merseyside club's hopes of winning the Premier League and the unprecedented quadruple.
After the match, Liverpool boss Klopp showed his disapproval of Conte's tactics throughout the match, as Spurs defended deep and wasted time at every possible opportunity. The German said: "I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about [Spurs' defending] because I don’t like this kind of football. But that is my personal problem. I think they are world class and I think they should do more for the game.
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"It's a game against Liverpool and they have 36% possession. But that is my problem. I cannot coach it. So that is why I cannot do it. World-class players, [who] block all the balls. It is really difficult. Fine, whatever, it's just I can't. But yes I respect everything they do. But it's not me."
Conte was linked with the managerial hot seat at Manchester United prior to Ajax coach Erik ten Hag being awarded the job. But former Old Trafford great Gary Neville believes Klopp's dim view of Tottenham's strategy demonstrates exactly why United were right to swerve Conte, even though he has previously won the Premier League title with Chelsea.
Ex-England defender Neville Tweeted: "I respect Conte and his football enormously but this Klopp interview gives the clear reason why he wasn’t the right fit for United."
Responding to comments from Twitter users, Neville added: "When selecting a coach it should be to the clubs playing principles. United should always value that and the promotion of young players . They’re the foundation of the club. Why should we compromise that. Barca / Ajax don’t."
Fellow Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool player, Jamie Carragher, took the opportunity to share a screen print of a headline in which colleague Neville called for Diego Simeone to be considered as United's next manager after the Manchester club was eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid back in March.
Neville responded to Carragher by writing: "Simone 4-4-2 aggressive style. Proper United that. Conte wing backs ?? No.."
Tottenham's draw with Liverpool at Anfield has left the door open for Manchester City to establish a three point lead at the top of the Premier League when they face Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon. But the result leaves Spurs in fifth place, outside the Champions League places and one point adrift of rivals Arsenal who face Leeds United today.
