Liverpool manager impressed with squad’s response
Kenny Dalglish is convinced that the disappointment shown by his players of their 1-1 draw with Manchester United proves how far his team has progressed since he was appointed in January.
Back in the starting 11, Steven Gerrard seemed to have won the game for the Kop in his first start since March with an impressive free-kick, however Javier Hernandez had other ideas as he scored a late header.
Dalglish reflected: “We could have had the three points, I think it was pretty even and pretty sterile at the beginning of the match.
“Their goalkeeper made two fantastic saves and we had a chance right at the end which was a fraction too high for Jordan (Henderson) to get proper contact on it.
“It’s a real indication of how far we’ve come when we come into the dressing room and the boys are disappointed that they’ve drawn 1-1 with Manchester United.
Dalglish added, “We’re delighted that they’re disappointed. We’d have been happier if we’d got the three points but the attitude, even when United equalised when we came back and went for the three points, was admirable. The only thing that was missing today was walking away with three points.”
Surprisingly, Manchester United began the game with striker Wayne Rooney on the substitutes’ bench. Sir Alex Ferguson opted to play youngster Danny Welbeck as a lone striker, whilst forming a defensive midfield partnership of Darren Fletcher and Phil Jones, which Dalglish was a sign of respect.
“It wasn’t a surprise because after every international break Fergie has made changes to his team,” he said.
“And he’s also got a really important away game on Tuesday night in the Champions League. It’s only right he’s going to have to move his squad about. Then he comes back and he has to play Man City. It’s a squad effort for us and obviously Alex feels the same. I think every manager does.” Dalglish continued.
“I think it was a compliment as well.”
