Unlikely praise
Cristiano Ronaldo has praised Liverpool’s consistency. In an interview with Sky Sports, the 36-year-old said that the levels that Jurgen Klopp’s side show on a weekly basis make them one of the best sides in the league.
“To win the league is a marathon not a sprint, a 100 metre sprint. You have to be consistent,” said Ronaldo. “This is why the best teams right now in England (are) probably Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Because they are more consistent than the other teams.”
The five time Ballon d’Or winner says that his team have to aspire to be more like Liverpool.
“I believe that we have to look at that and believe that we are capable to do it the same way”, Ronaldo continued, “We know its tough, we have to improve, but I believe.”
It’s great to hear Liverpool being spoken about in such glowing terms by a rival. It goes to show the esteem in which Klopp’s team is held by the biggest names in the sport.
How times change
Man United were very much the pace setters during Ronaldo’s previous spell in England. But a lot has changed since then. His comments serve as a reminder of how far Liverpool have come under Klopp.
The gulf in quality between the two sides has already been laid bare this season. The 5-0 win at Old Trafford in October will still be fresh in the Portuguese icon’s memory. The league table also illustrates his point. Liverpool hold an 11 point lead over The Red Devils although the Manchester club do have a game in hand.
We shouldn’t take for granted that under the German Liverpool are able to consistently challenge teams like Manchester City and Chelsea. The position that United and Ronaldo find themselves in is a warning of how quickly things can change in football.
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