'We deserved more but have to learn from a hectic game'
Emre Can felt Liverpool's second-half display perhaps merited a victory against Manchester United, but accepted the players must learn from the hectic nature of the goalless game.
The opening 45 minutes at Anfield on Monday night were fraught, with neither of the fierce rivals able to create the kind of opportunity that could lead to a breakthrough.
Things improved after the interval, as David de Gea thwarted both Can and Philippe Coutinho with outstanding saves, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic squandered a headed chance at the other end.
“I think we deserved more and deserved to win the game, because we had the better chances and played better,” Can told Liverpoolfc.com.
“It wasn’t our best game but we played better than Manchester United, I think, and deserved to win.”
LFCTV GO: Emre Can on United stalemate
The German, who made his first league start of the season in the clash, added: “We didn’t keep the ball too well. The game was too hectic.
“In the second half, we did a little bit better and we had the better chances. They have a very good goalkeeper, of course, and he made two good saves.
“It’s always a big derby against Manchester United and that’s maybe why. It was too hectic in the game and we have to do better in the next game. We will learn from it.”
Jürgen Klopp made two changes to the team that had started at Swansea City before the international break, with Can and Daniel Sturridge brought into the line-up.
The midfielder played the whole game – completing a match for the club for the first time since mid-May – and is eager to use that as a foundation.
“I was very happy to start,” he said. “My last 90 minutes was the Europa League final last season, a long time ago.
“I have to get fitness back and get my confidence back. I’m looking forward to that. With game time, I will get there.”