Playing at Anfield is Like ‘Going to Hell’ – Former Man United Defender Talks Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Mikael Silvestre has warned his former Manchester United team to expect ‘hell’ when they travel to Anfield on Saturday for a mouthwatering clash with Liverpool.

Jose Mourinho has so far set his United side on course to return to the Premier League summit boasting an undefeated record in the Premier League with just rivals Manchester City bettering them.



But Silvestre has told his former team that a trip to Anfield is never easy as Mourinho prepares for a hellish trip just 30 miles towards the west coast.

‘You feel like you’re going to hell,’ Silvestre, speaking exclusively to 888sport, said.

‘You are not welcome and you can feel the hate for sure. It’s a hostile environment and it’s a good occasion to see how you react in adversity. It’s the best place to win games.’

The bitter rivals shared the spoils on both occasions last season, scoring just twice, but Klopp’s team face a very different United outfit with Romelu Lukaku leading the line.

Defensive lapses have hindered Liverpool’s start to the campaign on numerous occasions, with draws against Burnley and Watford the most prominent fixtures springing to mind.

But Liverpool’s defensive conundrum has been salvaged at times by their formidable attacking foursome of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane – currently out with a hamstring injury – and Philippe Coutinho, who have caused havoc throughout their opening games, scoring 11 of their 13 goals.

But even with Mane fit, Silvestre brushed aside their attacking threat, claiming they are far from world class.

‘They (Coutinho, Firmino, Salah and Mane) are good players but hardly world class yet. Over the course of the ninety minutes you would expect them to make some chances because they are talented but there is not one goal-machine,’ he added.

‘They are missing that clinical player because at the end of the day it is this one you have to be worried about, the one you expect to finish 20-25 times a season.

‘Liverpool doesn’t have one yet. United are going to be tested but I think they can control these guys.’

Klopp’s team are seventh and way off the pace of the Manchester clubs who are separated by just one goal at the summit, with United trailing despite scoring 21 goals in their opening seven with just two in response. Cause for concern, according to Silvestre.

‘If I was a Liverpool fan I’d be more worried about strikers facing their defence than United. Especially Lukaku and Rashford,’ he added.

‘The problem with Liverpool is when they lose possession they don’ t protect the back four so they are exposed to one- v-ones on many occasions.’

-DailyMail

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