Manager Jurgen Klopp said it is “mad” to suggest a Champions League exit could help Liverpool’s bid for a first domestic title in 29 years.
The Reds are a point behind Manchester City in the Premier League and face Bayern Munich on Wednesday after a goalless draw in the last 16 first leg.
“I don’t think any other coach has to answer this question,” said Klopp.
“It only happens if you’re Liverpool manager and the pundits come from Manchester United.”
Klopp guided Liverpool to the Champions League final last season but former United defender Gary Neville suggested losing in Germany could do them a “favour” in their attempts to win a first title in the Premier League era.
“They [pundits] talk constantly,” added Klopp. “It doesn’t mean they make more sense because of that. That’s the problem.
“It is so easy to sit in an office or a studio and talk about things like that.
“We don’t draw up a season and say the best way to go through it is to go out of all the cup competitions early.
“You do that and in that moment the same people go for you like mad.
“Now it is closer to the end of the season and it is allowed to go out of the Champions League without even trying to go through? That’s really mad.
“I am not angry about it. It’s just so mad that I constantly get confronted by it.”
