Tuesday 17 January 2017

Jose Mourinho And Jurgen Klopp Finally Open Up About Touchline Clash During Old Trafford Draw

Premier League

Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's late goal cancelled out James Milner's first-half penalty and clashed with Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho on the touchline.

He said the ball spent "25 minutes in the air", adding: "When United started playing long balls to Marouane Fellaini and Zlatan Ibrahimovic after 80 minutes of high intense football, it is really hard. It is so intense. They play long balls, it was a wild game.

"We were here to win the game, which is why we are not 100 per cent satisfied."

Klopp clashed with Mourinho after Ander Herrera tugged the shirt of Roberto Firmino, who reacted by pushing over the United player.

Both managers later downplayed the issue, though, Klopp saying: "We could not have the same opinion in this moment."

Mourinho had few arguments about referee Michael Oliver's overall display, but used the penalty as a chance to make a point of his own.

"I don't know, I didn't watch. But the referee was very close, so probably it is a penalty," he said of Paul Pogba's handball.

"In 25 matches, we had one penalty - it is something for the Guinness World Records - but today was in our box and I didn't watch.

Premier League

"But I have to believe that was a penalty and I am happy for the referee if it was a penalty because his record for us this season is three matches, three penalties against. So if this time it was a penalty, I am happy for Michael."

However when asked if he was claiming bias, Mourinho was quick to respond, saying: "No, no, you use that word, I don't.

"I think it was a very emotional game. I believe very entertaining, I believe every player - our players, Liverpool players - are very tired because they gave everything they could until the limits.

"But I think Manchester United can play better than we did.

"And, in spite of it not being my problem, I think Liverpool can play better than they did because I have watched them play many times.

"So I think in terms of quality, the game was below the quality of both teams, but in terms of a proper Premier League match, a proper derby - it had a lot for the people to enjoy."

Mourinho added: “It’s good to see that Liverpool also can play defensively, and in the counter-attack they were always dangerous.

“I think we deserved more, but the point is something I think everyone has to accept. I thought a few more minutes and we could have done it.

<>Liverpool didn’t include defender Joel Matip in their squad because they had not received clearance from FIFA or his country Camroon regarding his eligibility while the Africa Cup of Nations is under way, despite him not playing for the nation since September 2015.


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