It should not be hard for a manager to learn the names of the players he is set to face. Jurgen Klopp might need a reminder of who Wout Weghorst is.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Anfield on Sunday, Klopp appeared to forget Weghorst’s name.
He remarked: “Up front, the Dutch fella, is really physical, so it is a good set-up.”
Klopp did pick Marcus Rashford out for praise, labeling him ‘incredible’. That might all just be mind games.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesWeghorst can make Klopp pay
Klopp’s comments could come over as disrespectful to the Manchester United striker. He can certainly use them as added motivation.
It is not too dissimilar to Xavi referring to Bruno Fernandes as ‘the Portuguese guy’ ahead of Manchester United’s showdown with Barcelona.
Fernandes went on to captain United to the win, leaving Xavi miserable. Weghorst will aim to leave a similar mark.
Weghorst has only one goal to his name for Manchester United so far. But he is playing well, creating five chances in the victory over West Ham, with a role in all three goals.
The Netherlands forward has a strong mentality and tremendous work rate. He never stops, and has been called worse than ‘the Dutch fella’ during his career.
But he will want to make Jurgen Klopp remember his name, that’s for sure. This could work out to be a real own goal from the Liverpool manager.
