Klopp compares James Milner to a fine wine

Jürgen Klopp has compared vice-captain James Milner to a fine wine in the wake of his 50th Premier League goal during Saturday’s draw with Arsenal, according to LiverpoolFC.com.

Milner struck in the second half to put Liverpool 1-0 before Alexandra Lacazette equalised 20 minutes later.

And Klopp revealed today that Milner had some strong words for his teammates at half time.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 3: James Milner of Liverpool celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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“I like the idea that we write a story about James Milner after the game,” said the manager, who was guided Liverpool to a record-equalling start to a Premier League campaign this season. “Millie is like wine – a very good red one.”

Klopp was forced into a change of formation at the interval after Arsenal proved difficult to break down, but the tweak to Liverpool’s system resulted in the Reds gaining more of a foothold in the second half.

“When you have a compact formation you give the opposition the opportunity to pass into a certain place and then you press. It’s not that complicated.

“But Arsenal had two or three options to pass the ball, and that makes life pretty uncomfortable for the three midfielders. We were too high on the wings.

“We’ve done it outstandingly well in the past but we didn’t do that in the first half. Millie was the one who saw it for us. He was not happy about it, he was animated.

“That’s how it is in the dressing room; a lot of men with testosterone. Usually the only one talking is me, but sometimes before I start talking the boys have a few words.

“It’s good that we could change it at half-time. And he was the right person to score the goal. Of course he is a leader. He is a proper leader.

“The problem wasn’t the three that played [in midfield]. We couldn’t change – we had no defensive midfielder on the bench, which meant it was really difficult.

“Hendo wasn’t there. Then we had to think size-wise at set-pieces, to make sure that was organised. It was not too cool. The best way to go into a game is to do it right from the first moment and we can build on that, and we didn’t do that.

“Offensively it was very good, we played football, got in behind the lines, had chances and scored a goal, but defensively it was not as good.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com