Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Liverpool after they were confirmed as Premier League champions on Thursday evening.
Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge handed Liverpool their first league title in 30 years, causing huge celebrations on Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have wrapped up the league with seven games remaining, a remarkable 23 points ahead of closest challengers City.
Solskjaer admitted it will always hurt to see another club win silverware for everyone involved in United.
But the Norwegian commended Liverpool, acknowledging just how impressive their achievement is.
”First of all, any team that wins the championship and a Premier League deserves it and they deserve credit, it’s a hard league to win,” he said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“So well done to Jurgen and his players. Every time you see anyone else lift the trophy it hurts, I reckon that’s the feeling everyone associated with Manchester United – all our players, staff supporters – we want to get back to winning ways and that’s our challenge. “
Solskjaer was inevitably asked how far he thinks United are from challenging their Merseyside rivals.
United are currently a staggering 37 points behind Klopp’s side in the league table but have shown promising signs in their 13-game unbeaten run.
“I don’t think it’s time to say how far you are behind,” he added.
“We are in a position now we have to improve, one we have to get in the Champions League, higher up in the league and, start challenging for trophies. That consistency and efficiency is a challenge for us as well. At our best we are very good, have to do that whatever day it is, do it again and again, that’s the challenge for our players going forward.”
The United boss was speaking in Friday morning’s press conference ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final tie against Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday evening.
We are expecting Solskjaer to make several changes to the starting XI that defeated Sheffield United 3-0 on Wednesday, as he looks to keep players fresh during the crucial run-in.
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