“I think they should do more for the game…”
Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is not a fan of Tottenham’s approach to their 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday night – a result that damages Liverpool’s hopes of an unprecedented quadruple.
Spurs took the lead early in the second half through Heung-min Son, threatening to bring a first Premier League home defeat of the season for Liverpool. A deflected Luis Diaz effort levelled the scores, late on, but Liverpool could not find a winner.
The draw was enough to see Liverpool move back to the Premier League summit on goal difference, but Manchester City could now open up a three-point lead if they beat Newcastle at home, on Sunday afternoon.
Spurs finished the game having had just over a third of possession, with Liverpool also having more than twice as many shots.
Klopp on Tottenham’s approach
Asked about Antonio Conte’s side’s tactics during his post-match press conference, Klopp said: “I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about [Spurs’ defending] because I don’t like this kind of football.
“That is my personal problem. I think they are world-class and I think they should do more for the game.
“It’s a game against Liverpool, they have 36 per cent possession. But that is my problem. I cannot coach it. So that is why I cannot do it.
“World-class players, [who] block all the balls. It is really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it. Fine, whatever, absolutely fine, it’s just I can’t. But, yes, I respect everything they do. But it’s not me.”
He added: “It was the expected game. It was always clear that Tottenham would show up like they show up, with all the individual quality they have and the game-plan they have, it was clear it would be incredibly difficult.”
🗣️ "I don't like this football, but that's my personal problem"
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was critical of Tottenham's tactics after their 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday 👀 pic.twitter.com/arNp2C8zOm
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 8, 2022
Liverpool’s quadruple dream still alive, despite title blow
Liverpool, who reached another Champions League final with victory over Villarreal in midweek, return to action when they take on Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday night.
Having already won this year’s Carabao Cup, they face Chelsea next weekend in the FA Cup final at Wembley. They will then face Southampton away before hosting Wolves in their last league game of the season.
They face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris on May 28.
Related links:
- Liverpool fans mock Gary Neville for premature celebration of Villarreal goals
- Real Madrid accused of inadvertently motivating Liverpool with t-shirts
- Villarreal goalkeeper at fault for two goals as Liverpool reach Champions League final
