Garth Crooks has admitted to BBC Sport that he isn’t the ‘biggest fan’ of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Not an admirer?
Klopp has recently landed himself in hot-water, after making a joke about the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool boss sarcastically referred to the competition as a ‘little tournament’ in a press conference, which caused some anger.
Senegal boss Aliou Cisse fired back at club recently, and Crooks thinks that although Klopp was joking he will have learnt an important lesson now.
“It wasn’t until I heard Klopp’s explanation in his pre-match interview prior to the AC Milan fixture, when challenged by a journalist, that I understood the comments were shrouded in irony.
“Klopp was being sarcastic and suggesting the tournament was quite the opposite. Far from being a little tournament, the Liverpool manager was insisting the tournament was far more demanding than people realise.
“The problem with sarcasm is that it doesn’t always travel well and what might appear funny in a dressing room doesn’t always translate well or is very clear in other parts of the world.
“It will also teach Klopp not to be reckless in future with language from the dressing room. I might not be his biggest fan, but I’ve seen enough of his teams to know that he not only respects African football but also their footballers. Otherwise why would he buy them?”
What’s the issue?
Now, we’re not quite sure why Crooks isn’t Klopp’s ‘biggest fan’ in all honesty.
The Liverpool boss simply has to be admired for the job he has done at Anfield.
Klopp has completely transformed Liverpool’s fortunes and he has done so without the spending power of many of his rivals.
The German’s intense style continues to work effectively for Liverpool this term too.
Many felt that the Reds may struggle to keep pace with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City this term, but they have done so with ease so far this campaign.
Things could by about to get tougher for Liverpool in the new year.
The aforementioned AFCON is now in the horizon and the departures of both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will be a real cause for concern.
It is not yet known just how many games the pair will miss, but Liverpool’s attacking threat will be diminished without the key pair.
And Klopp will be desperately hoping that they don’t miss too much action, with his side embroiled in the thick of a three way title fight.
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