‘We are not arrogant’ Klopp tells Lampard
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hit back at his Chelsea counterpart Frank Lampard by suggesting the Blues boss still has a lot to learn after branding the new English champions “arrogant.”
During Liverpool’s 5-3 win between the sides on Wednesday, Lampard became embroiled in a row with Klopp’s assistant Pepijn Lijnders over a foul that led to the free-kick from which Trent Alexander-Arnold scored to make it 2-0.
“Fair play to Liverpool Football Club, they’ve won the league, but also don’t get too arrogant with it,” Lampard said in a post-match interview. Klopp rejected that suggestion and said Lampard should learn to let any confrontations during the 90 minutes go at full time.
“You cannot hit me and my bench with something like that because we are not arrogant,” said Klopp. “Frank was obviously in a really competitive mood and I respect that a lot. From my point of view in this sort of situation you can say pretty much what you want. For me, after the game it is completely over.
“I said a lot in the past because it is pure emotion, he came here to win the game or get a point, to make Champions League qualification, and I respect that a lot. “But what he has to learn is to finish it with the final whistle and he didn’t do that.”
A clip of the foul-mouthed argument between the benches went viral with Lampard’s words clearly audible in an empty stadium. “I think in terms of the language I used, I do regret that, because I think these things get replayed a lot on social media,” said Lampard.
“I’ve got two young daughters who are on social media, so I do regret that.” Lampard later accused Liverpool’s coaching staff of breaking a touchline code of conduct. “What is the code? I think when you speak between managers, and there are lots of decisions that go and you can hear it more clearly now without the crowd,” said the Chelsea boss. “And lots of managers will call for decisions and it may be right or wrong. And then you speak with each other. “But when people on the bench jump up and want to speak across to myself and then smirk and smile and then continue to do so for quite a while; I think that is past the code.”
On the field, Lampard has to concentrate on getting at least a point from today’s visit of Wolves to Stamford Bridge to ensure Chelsea secure a place in the Champions League next season. The visitors need a victory to guarantee a place in the Europa League next season.