Boss: Liverpool Rivalry Is Like El Clasico

Louis van Gaal believes Manchester United’s historic rivalry with Liverpool has similar ingredients to Barcelona versus Real Madrid, another epic fixture that he experienced while managing in Spain.

The Merseysiders will visit Old Trafford on Sunday for what is undoubtedly one of the biggest matches of the season for Reds supporters around the world. Having taken part in El Clasico during his two separate reigns as Barcelona manager, the Dutchman is looking forward to sampling the atmosphere and ferocity of English football’s biggest rivalry.

“It is like that, of course,” van Gaal told reporters at the Aon Training Complex, when asked about this fixture’s similarity to El Clasico. “Barcelona versus Real Madrid was [in front of] 102,000 in the first time I was working there. The stadium adapted to 102,000 and they were all sitting there. I won my first derby with Barcelona 3-0, so I was very pleased. I hope that I shall win this first derby also.”

Victory in Sunday’s match would extend United’s winning run to six matches and could potentially close the gap on Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea. While it will be difficult to overtake the Blues, van Gaal is refusing to dismiss the possibility.

“Mathematically, we can do it,” he explained. “We now have a better possibility but it is not so easy because I think Chelsea won’t lose so much.”