LIVERPOOL MANAGER JURGEN Klopp was unwilling to discuss Ross Barkley’s forceful challenge on Dejan Lovren during Saturday’s 3-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton at Anfield.
Barkley was only shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor five minutes before half-time after catching Lovren on the ankle with a heavy tackle, one that prompted a vehement reaction from Klopp.
However, the German’s post-match comments were far cooler, as he refused to comment in detail on that specific duel.
“I don’t like creating stories,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
Our responsibility is to cool things down as much as possible. It’s not so easy in the game when we shout at each other.
“If you saw two harsh challenges then say it, don’t use me to say it.
“It’s the third game we leave with an injured player — Sadio [Mane] was unlucky.”
Ronald Koeman criticised Klopp for his reaction to Barkley’s tackle and suggested that Lucas Leiva was guilty of excessive force during the match, but Klopp did not share that view of the Brazilian’s performance.
Lucas is a very experienced player and we used him a lot this season at centre-back, but everyone knows he’s a six,” said Klopp.
“We needed him there [in central midfield] and he did the job. His challenges, he was very aggressive – legal aggressive.”
When asked about Koeman’s comments in particular, Klopp replied: “Ronald Koeman spoke about me? Then say about it what you want.”
The Liverpool manager then promptly walked away.
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Passion class respect Klopp + Liverpool = EUREKA. We are Liverpool tra la la la la
Just watched it on MOTD. Unbelievable how Barkley stayed on the pitch, Ashley Williams too. Koeman has no right to complain about the referee and the tackles according to the highlights shown by BBC
@Conor O’Neill: Chan stood on Barkleys arm too so worth a mention to balance your comment. But no excuse for either Barkley tackle or Williams stamp. Straight red to both and I’m evertonian. The later I’m surprised with after what happened mid week with Coleman. But that game today proved neither of these clubs are serious challengers. Everton were awful and Liverpool were marginally better. Coutinho is quality and Mane also a handful. Other than that I don’t understand the excitement.
Barkley couldve seen red but i honestly dont think he meant it.Williams lucky as well.we couldve had 2 extra men and still wouldnt have won.that red jersey just makes our players shite themselves.unbelievably frustrating
@Fran Heavey: there’s certainly some mental block for Everton when they come to Anfield. Regardless of the form of either side, who’s injured, who’s playing Everton just never seem to show up when they go there.