Coach Jurgen Klopp got angry at what he called a silly question, then left the interview after Liverpool lost 3-4 to Man Utd in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
When asked by a reporter from Norwegian news agency V Sport why Liverpool reduced the intensity of the game in extra time. Klopp angrily replied: "That's a silly question. If you watch us regularly, you can ask at other times why we have so much energy. I don't know how many games Liverpool have played recently, and how many games Man Utd have played. That's sport. I'm really disappointed about that question, but you clearly think it's good."
"So Liverpool have to play too many games?" the Norwegian reporter continued to ask. "Don't you think so? You're clearly not in good shape and I'm not worried at all," Klopp replied, then walked past the reporter and left the interview.
Coach Jurgen Klopp during Liverpool's 3-4 loss to Man Utd in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford on March 17. Photo: AP
At Old Trafford on March 17, Liverpool started poorly when Scott McTominay scored in the 10th minute. Then, Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah scored in turn to help the visitors enter the break with the lead. In the second half, Liverpool dominated, but squandered opportunities and paid the price when Man Utd equalized thanks to substitute Antony in the 87th minute.
"We didn't kill the game. When we leave the door open at Old Trafford, it's clear that Man Utd will have a chance," Klopp said at his post-match press conference. "It was really difficult for us. It was the first time I really saw Liverpool struggling. When you win, you have a great position to watch a game. When you lose, it's the worst feeling."
In 2024, Liverpool will play 18 matches, while Man Utd will play 12. Immediately after the FA Cup quarter-finals, the players from both teams will join the national team for two friendlies in the next two weeks. When asked about the possibility of players being more tired after this training camp, Klopp replied: "I hope the national team coaches want them to be in the best shape for the Euros in the summer. So I hope they will play the full 90 minutes in the next two matches. But I can't control that."
The defeat to Man Utd shattered Liverpool's dream of a historic quadruple in Klopp's final season. They won the League Cup, are second in the Premier League and will face Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Hong Duy
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