Jurgen Klopp aims dig at Manchester United over European travails

United lost 2-1 to Fenerbahce on Thursday night to leave their ongoing participation in the Europa League in some doubt, with the club third in group A with two games remaining.

Liverpool are not in Europe this season and have focused their attentions on domestic football to good effect, sitting joint top of the Premier League with Manchester City and Arsenal.

When asked whether a lack of continental competition was playing into his hands, Klopp had a little joke at his rival’s expense.

“I cannot compare,” he said when asked whether Liverpool were benefitting from having no European football.

“For the last six, seven years I was always travelling through Europe. I never thought ‘this is too much’. If you want to be successful, you need European football.

“Watford didn’t travel last week. They have the same situation. We have to show we use the time for training over the whole season, not the first 10 games.

“Did you ask the same of Antonio Conte? They have the same situation. Maybe Manchester United have the same from January onwards?”