“It’s ‘not one of my problems.’
Jürgen Klopp fired back at Spanish media in the aftermath of his side’s 5-2 defeat against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Despite starting the game strongly – taking a 2-0 lead in the first 15 minutes – the Reds were stunned by the reigning champions who scored five goals without reply.
A brace from Vinicius Jr, one of which was thanks to a horror mistake from Allison, Éder Militão and a double from Karim Benzema has left Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Despite the outcome of the game, Liverpool fans showed their respect for two of the game's greatest players by clapping Karim Benzema and Luka Modric off the pitch 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/aaoGp9LzT9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 22, 2023
Luka Modrić was the standout player at Anfield and even received a standing ovation when substituted. However, with his contract up at the end of the season, there is speculation as to whether or not he will be offered a new deal.
Klopp was asked if Modrić should be offered a contract extension but the Reds boss replied by saying “oh God” before snapping back.
“You obviously are not too much interested in my problems, so this is not one of my problems.
“Yeah, fantastic player and I’m pretty sure Carlo [Ancelotti] and Real Madrid will do the right thing for the right player.”
The German then sarcastically said: “Please ask me more questions about Real Madrid players.”
Although a comeback isn’t completely out of the question, Klopp admitted that it is unlikely that his side will be going any further in the Champions League.
“We will go to Madrid and play a football game. If we have to score goals there, each counter-attack will be an opportunity for them. We have to learn from tonight,” he added.
“It will be a massive challenge but there’s time until then we have to play in the Premier League, we have to recover and make sure we take the right things from this game and the rest we have to learn from as well.”
Related links:
- Liverpool v Real Madrid: Player ratings and updates from Champions League clash
- Liverpool fans set off fireworks outside Real Madrid hotel
- John Henry rules out selling Liverpool in FSG’s latest plans for the club
