Jurgen Klopp launched into a sensational rant following Liverpool's late draw at Brighton, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder and TV broadcasters his chief targets.
The Reds boss blasted BT Sport, with interviewer Des Kelly forced to repeatedly defend both himself and his employer, for scheduling their game at 12:30 on Saturday.
Klopp's side played Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday night, losing 2-0 at Anfield.
Liverpool, already stricken by injuries, lost James Milner during the draw at the Amex with the 34-year-old forced off in the 74th minute after starting his third game in six days.
That appeared to be the trigger for Klopp to then turn on his fellow Premier League managers for refusing to reintroduce the five-substitute rule, with Wilder in particular the focus of his anger.
😡 "Until this year is over and half the season we had this slot (12.30) three times. Look who else had the slot, no one."
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) November 28, 2020
🥊 Klopp is not happy with the packed Premier League schedule...and he made the mistake of taking it out on BT Sport's Des Kelly.pic.twitter.com/qh2yGnd16u
But he had already got stuck into Kelly, when the BT Sport man was keen on discussing Albion's late equaliser.
It came from the penalty spot after a VAR review, one of several interventions by the video assistant referee.
“I think the two offside (Liverpool goals), I asked, they said yes, was really close, but we are used to it. The penalty, I think the decisions were right," said Klopp.
Put to him by Kelly that some of the Brighton players did not think it was a penalty, he added: “You try to create again, on my cost, a headline, because that’s how it is. If I say it now it was not… the ref whistled it.
"Don’t look like this, you try, always, all the time. Today I say it was a penalty, you are not happy with that answer, so keep your answers to yourself.”
Kelly then asked Klopp if Milner had a hamstring injury, which sparked a back-and-forth between the pair over scheduling.
If one picture sums up that game...#BHALIV pic.twitter.com/WWTcziGksu
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) November 28, 2020
Having calmed down, and been seemingly talked around by his interviewer, the Liverpool boss left the crescendo for his counterparts at other top-flight clubs, especially the Sheffield United manager.
"That’s very interesting now (the five subs rule). When we had a talk between managers, a week ago, it was 55, if not 60 (per cent) for five subs," Klopp explained.
"Since then nothing happened. Chris Wilder or whoever says constantly that I am selfish. I think all the things that shows is that he’s selfish.
"I was in a similar situation when I worked at (German club) Mainz and it was all about staying in the league, but Sheffield United have three subs and one point if I am right.
"If you can’t do five subs in a game like this, it’s not for tactical reasons."
✅ Rotherham 2-2 Bournemouth
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) November 28, 2020
✅ Watford 4-1 Preston
✅ Oxford 1-2 Swindon
✅ Bradford 1-2 Oldham
🚨 Sporting Life Acca is a winner!!!
🥳🎉🍾 pic.twitter.com/IBvOJRtktG
Follow Sporting Life on social - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLifeFC
Related football content
- Premier League Punting Pointers
- Maradona: The indomitable genius
- Tactics Talk: Everton v Leeds
- Latest football previews and tips
- Sporting Life App: Android & iOS
Responsible gambling
We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.
Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.
