The Premier League is not yet upon us, but, Manchester United's Jose Mourinho could be accused of already stirring up the plot-lines for a season's worth of mind-games. Choosing Liverpool and, by extension, Jurgen Klopp as one of his early targets, the German has decided to acknowledge the Portuguese's remarks.
Both Liverpool and United currently find themselves touring North America as they embark upon a series of International Champions Cup fixtures. Set to clash after picking up wins against Manchester City and AC Milan respectively, Mourinho stated that their opponents would have to win this year's Premier League were they to justify their recent spending.
Jurgen Klopp, however, isn't quite so sure; “I don’t think so. Do I get the sack if not? Depends on the football we play.”
Seeing through what Mourinho was perhaps trying to achieve with his comments, Jurgen Klopp was nevertheless pleased he could amuse his counterpart:
One of my biggest goals in life is to make Jose smile – it doesn’t happen very often. I don’t even think it is a mind game, I think it is normal. I would never talk about Manchester United if no-one asked me about it.
I have no problem with what Jose Mourinho is saying, it is a free world and he can say whatever he wants. If he is happy about our transfers even better. We know it doesn’t mean you win (trophies) automatically.
Although tomorrow's fixture will be of no consequence for the season ahead, it is almost certain that this dialogue is likely to continue as the season progresses.
