Royal Union Saint-Gilloise head coach Alexander Blessin has joked that he hopes Joel Matip scores another own goal for Liverpool ahead of their UEFA Europa League clash this week.
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, the Belgian Pro League manager teased that he would like to see the Liverpool defender repeat his unfortunate own goal this weekend against Tottenham at Anfield.
This week will be the first time Union SG face Liverpool in any professional capacity, and the Brussels-based side will be hopeful of causing an upset this Thursday night.
One of the best clubs in Belgium over the last few years, Union SG could spring a surprise or two against Liverpool, yet Blessin is still hopeful that Matip can score another accident own goal for Liverpool.
Blessin said when asked about this week’s clash on Merseyside: “Liverpool was already something on our minds.
“It will be something different against fantastic players like Konate and Matip. Although, maybe Matip will score another own goal like this weekend. Then we have a chance. Why not?”
Liverpool will hope Matip can keep it out of his own net on Thursday
Matip’s own goal on Saturday against Tottenham will be one that the defender will want to forget about sooner rather than later.
And heading into this week’s European clash against Union SG, the 32-year-old will be hopeful that he doesn’t repeat the same mistake that cost Liverpool a point in north London on the weekend.
Indeed, Blessin’s comments were no doubt a joke, but Matip will for sure be keen to make a comeback this week if the defender is named in Liverpool’s starting XI to face Union SG.
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