Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he never has any fear about James Milner not converting penalty kicks even though he looks away each time.
The German coach looked away, as expected, when the right back stood up to take the kick in the last game against Manchester United.
The experienced midfielder, who switched roles excellently this term, is yet to lose a penalty kick this term. His five goals in the Premier League this campaign have been from spot kicks and he has not faltered.
“Did I watch the penalty shoot-out at Wembley? Probably not. I don’t look at Penalties too often. I would say that in general I’m not superstitious but when we shoot the penalties it probably says something completely different,” Klopp said of Reds loss to the Red Devils in the last EFL Cup final.
“With Milly, it’s no problem. I don’t need to watch, I just enjoy the noise after he has scored. All good,” Klopp added.
Milner was not expected to lose when he took the ball at Old Trafford on Sunday, gifting the Merseyside the lead even though the scoreline subsequently ended 1-1.
Stats reveal that of all penalties at United, Liverpool have been awarded a whopping 30 percent. Milner scored the 7th for the Reds in 14 years.
Paul Pogba gifted Liverpool the spot kick when he raised his arms in the 18-yard box. Referee Michael Oliver quickly pointed to the spot, leaving Milner to score the 7th for Liverpool, five more than any other team.
Liverpool dropped to third place in the Premier League with the draw but remain keen on giving league leaders Chelsea a run for their money this campaign.