Jurgen Klopp’s Tottenham Hotspur criticism caused controversy after Liverpool’s Premier League title slip up but Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho were far more complimentary of Antonio Conte’s side, speaking to the Liverpool website.
Let’s just put it this way. If grapes this sour were being sold at your local Marks and Spencers, you’d be forgiven for demanding a full refund.
Klopp is not the most gracious loser (or drawer) in this case. But even by his standards, his post-match lambasting of Conte’s tactics had a ‘chucking your toys out of the pram’ sort of feel about them.
What did Klopp expect? Did he really think Tottenham were going to come to Anfield and wave Mo Salah and Luis Diaz through like the world’s most accompanying nightclub bouncer?
And to focus on Spurs’ admittedly outstanding defensive efforts would be to downplay the brilliance of the goal that gave them the lead at Anfield, Harry Kane and Ryan Sessegnon dovetailing beautifully to set up Heung Min Son.
Maybe Klopp should take some advice from Fabinho and Van Dijk about how to drop points and retain your dignity. They’re not mutually exclusive after all.
Jurgen Klopp slams Tottenham after Liverpool draw
“Tottenham played a really good game,” Fabinho says. “They are one of the best teams playing counter-attacking (football).”
“That’s the quality they have,” adds Van Dijk, speaking to BT Sport. “You have to be organised well, you have to be ready to run back.
“Obviously you have to give them credit. They created good chances, on the break especially. Obviously we knew their game plan. We knew the quality they have, especially on the break.
“We lost the ball in difficult situations and if you lose the ball in those situations, you’re not well organised, so they can do what they are good at.
“Every break on attacking corners was quite dangerous as well.”
- How Rangers’ XI could look in 22/23, including 5 new signings
- How West Ham’s XI could look in 22/23 with 4 new signings
Liverpool managed 65 per cent possession and mustered 22 shots to the visitors’ eight. But the number of shots on target – and more importantly, the actual scoreline – remained level.
Three shots on target apiece. One goal apiece. One point apiece.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
