The former West Brom man, speaking about Klopp’s celebrations in the Merseyside derby, says he probably would have “knocked him down” if in Everton colours.
Jurgen Klopp has split opinion in the football world with his exuberant on-pitch celebrations in Liverpool’s Merseyside derby win over Everton on Sunday.
A Premier League clash that looked in danger of yielding a 0-0 draw exploded into life at the last when Jordan Pickford’s error allowed Divock Origi to head home from close range.
The pandemonium was not only confined to the Anfield stands, with Klopp running onto the pitch to hug Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
A climactic conclusion to the game indeed, and many fans and neutrals had no problem with the German’s antics, but a few pundits have not been quite so relaxed about the matter.
Former England international Danny Mills told a caller on BBC Radio 5 Live that Klopp would “be lucky not to be running past me if I was playing in that game”, insisting that dugout celebrations should not spill over onto the pitch.
Now, former West Bromwich Albion defender Jonas Olsson has given him opinion on the Liverpool manager’s run, and his echoes comment that of his former back-liner.
The 35-year-old, who spent nine years at West Brom, is quoted by Swedish outlet Sport Bladet as saying: “If I’d been an Everton player, I’d have knocked him down, I think.
“You can’t do that when a player has made such a mistake – it is so disrespectful. I think Klopp is really fun, but I do not think it this time.”
With Klopp accepting a Football Association charge of misconduct, as per the Liverpool website, it remains to be seen whether he will let the emotion get the better of him again.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
