Jurgen Klopp is being short with journalists because he is feeling the pressure of an average start to the season, according to Andrei Kanchelskis.
Expectations were heightened for the Reds after they recorded a morale-boosting 3-1 victory against Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield. But fortunes have been somewhat reversed in the opening two rounds of league matches with City recording comfortable back-to-back wins while Liverpool could only manage draws against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
The Carabao and FA Cup holders face pointless Manchester United next and ahead of the Old Trafford match-up, retired winger Kanchelskis who starred for the Red Devils in the 90s under Sir Alex Ferguson before joining Merseyside rivals Everton, believes Liverpool are favourites but German boss Klopp is responding in a more prickly fashion to reporters because he is so used to winning.
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Speaking to OLBG, Kanchelskis said: "Klopp is feeling the pressure, but it's normal because Liverpool usually start very well, now they are being criticised for starting poorly. It's like Manchester United, they're big teams who have not started well and get a lot of criticism. I understand Klopp because he is used to winning titles, the Champions League, now everybody is criticising Liverpool which is why he was aggressive to journalists, like previous Manchester United managers have been.
"Liverpool have started badly, but so have United. These are special games and form does not matter. This is important for both teams, but Liverpool are psychologically better at the moment because United have really struggled in their two games. The two draws might not matter to Liverpool as much because they still have great attacking players."
If Liverpool's start to the season could be described as sluggish, United's must be considered disastrous, particularly after they were given a 4-0 hiding by Brentford. Disgruntled supporters of the Manchester club are preparing to protest before the match against Liverpool outside Old Trafford ahead of kick-off, with some sections threatening not to go into the ground altogether. But former favourite Kanchelskis is worried that the supporters' actions could have a detrimental impact on what happens on the pitch.
He added: "Not having all the fans at Old Trafford will affect the players. Manchester United supporters are great when Old Trafford is full. The only difference is that teams are more used to playing in empty stadiums, because of Covid-19, but now it's not Covid and I hope Man United fans go and help their team.
"Fans can be the 12th man and without them there may be no help. To the 72,000 fans with a ticket, please go to Old Trafford on Monday, especially as it's against Liverpool. The players and coach need your help. It's a massive game for everyone, the players, the coach, the fans. Liverpool have dominated in the league for the last six years, winning titles. It's a very, very hard game, it's a special game because of the rivalry.
"Man United will need to concentrate, they need determination and get help from the fans if they are there. A draw or a win for United is an excellent result, then they can focus on getting up the table."
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