Liverpool FC journalist Neil Jones has given his exclusive insight into that slightly shocking incident involving Jurgen Klopp and a journalist after the Reds’ 4-3 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final at the weekend.
Klopp was clearly not in a good mood after watching his side throw away the game against Man Utd, with Liverpool having led 2-1 at half time, and 3-2 early on in extra time before a dramatic late turnaround.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Jones gave his thoughts on the way Klopp blew up at one journalist in particular, but also suggested more was being made of it than it warranted.
Although we’ve seen Klopp react like this to reporters before, this one gained a lot of attention and Jones admits he was surprised at the question that seemed to particularly grate on the German tactician.
Liverpool will have regrets about Man Utd defeat, says Neil Jones
“I think Liverpool will have a lot of regrets at the manner in which they exited the FA Cup at Old Trafford. They didn’t play at their best, nowhere near, but it was still a game they could and should have put to bed, particularly in the second half of the 90. Their lack of precision and sharpness in the final third cost them dear, and while Manchester United deserve credit for their persistence, the Reds can only blame themselves for how the afternoon turned out,” Jones wrote in this week’s column.
“The good news from Liverpool’s perspective is that they have other competitions to go after – this wasn’t do-or-die for their season – but still any defeat against United will hurt, and this one certainly will, given it was an avoidable one.
“Jurgen Klopp’s post-match spat with Viaplay’s Niels Christian Frederiksen obviously garnered a bit of attention, and it is by no means the first time the Reds boss has taken exception to a reporter’s line of questioning.
“I was surprised that it was ‘that’ question which set him off, as it felt a little tame in all honesty, but as Frederiksen himself pointed out, quite rightly, it is almost part of being a top manager that you don’t take losing particularly well, and I’m sure all will be forgotten next time the pair meet.
“I’ve seen Klopp give a bit to other reporters in the past and it’s never become a feud or a long-running grudge, so I don’t expect it to be so this time.”