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Football

22nd Jan 2016

Louis van Gaal reveals details of Wayne Rooney dressing room row at Anfield

The captain speaking up

Kevin McGillicuddy

Well it worked.

Maybe Jurgen Klopp should look into half-time shouting matches as a tactic to snatch late winners in crucial games.

In the aftermath of Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United last Sunday, Mamadou Sakho claimed that the Reds could hear shouts and a row brewing in the away dressing room at the break after a disappointing first half from Louis van Gaal’s side.

Speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Southampton, Louis van Gaal confirmed that the squad, led by Wayne Rooney, had a major bust-up at the break and it actually was key in his side securing all three points at Anfield.

The Dutchman was actually pleased the England striker, who scored the winning goal, showed so much anger at half-time to inspire his team-mates.

“Not only Wayne Rooney is doing that, there are several players doing that and that is what I want.

“The players are self responsible, not only the manager. That is also why I have made this approach to the players and so on because responsibility for the result and commitment is very important that your team is showing that.

“The fact that Rooney is scoring and we have won our games, or at least we drew versus Newcastle away. There is a parallel. I have said that always, he is not always only important as a player but also as a captain. I’m very happy with him.”

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