Bruno Fernandes admits he doesn’t care what Jurgen Klopp has to say about Manchester United winning penalties, stoking the fire ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.
English football’s two biggest rivals meet in a mouthwatering encounter at Anfield this weekend, with United leading the Reds by three points at the top of the Premier League.
Much has been made of the Red Devils’ penalty record in recent weeks, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer winning more spot-kicks in two years as manager than Klopp has in five-and-a-bit years at Liverpool.
The Reds boss has been vocal about United potentially being favoured by referees in that area, but speaking to the Guardian, Fernandes bit back with his own comments:
People can talk and say what they want. But, for me and the team, the main point is continuing to do the right things and when we get a penalty, scoring.
I don’t hear, I don’t care, honestly. You always see what people say but I really don’t care. I’m not focused on what they are saying.
I played in Portugal and when you play for Sporting, Benfica and Porto are always talking about that kind of stuff – sometimes to put pressure on the referee, sometimes just to make some noise in the press.
But, for me, the main point is when we have a penalty, if I go to take the ball to the penalty spot, I have to do my job.
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Sunday’s game is the biggest between Liverpool and United in years, with the pair rarely in a title race, despite their rivalry.
There could be an extra edge to the match after all the recent comments flying around, and all eyes will be on referee Paul Tierney handling the occasion.
It is vital that Liverpool keep their heads, however, as they look to respond after three league games without a win.
They need to produce a measured performance at Anfield, producing a display similarly dominant to those at home to the likes of Arsenal, Leicester City, Wolves and Tottenham this season.
