BURNLEY FACE FA PROBE OVER SARRI ‘S*** ITALIAN’ SLUR
Van Dijk: We don’t panic because we know no team can keep us out for 90 minutes
JURGEN KLOPP claims a world-class attitude is driving Liverpool’s title bid.
But the Reds boss also believes the sheer menace of his fearsome threesome up front has brought a deadly calm to his team, as they enter the final straight.
Both Klopp and his inspirational defender Virgil van Dijk believe that composure stems from the knowledge their team will inevitably score, no matter how late in the game.
In fact, Liverpool have scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches than any side in the Premier League this season. They have 22, while remarkably, Manchester City have just
13 in the last period.
Van Dijk said: “We have THE FA are to investigate after Chelsea complained that Maurizio Sarri was branded a “s*** Italian” by members of the Burnley bench.
Both clubs are also expecting to be charged with failing to control their players and staff after the explosive scenes on Monday night.
The xenophobic slur is said to have been aimed at the Blues boss really improved on keeping a cool head this season. We don’t panic, we know that we will get opportunities. “We have plenty of quality in the team, and no opponents can defend at their highest level against our attack for 90 minutes.
“There will always be moments where we will find space to exploit.”
The Anfield side have overcome some jitters a few weeks ago, to show a high degree of control. Club legend Graeme Souness said: “They have got over their nervy moments to look patient, composed and full of belief – without a weakness.” Liverpool have scored as many in the build-up to his sending off (right) in the 2-2 draw.
Chelsea staff made their feelings known to referee Kevin Friend who is thought to have included the complaints in his report to the FA.
Sarri was so enraged that he did not conduct his post-match media conference, instead sending his assistant Gianfranco Zola. Asked why Sarri hadn’t turned up, Zola goals in the final 15 minutes as they have in the first 30 of all Premier League matches. Contrast that with title rivals City, who have almost double in the first 15 than the last.
It has led to some pundits suggesting the Reds have learned the art of patience. Klopp believes that stems from the incredible ability of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino – who have 49 league goals between them
– to combine a dynamic work-rate with a deadly strike threat.
“The defensive attitude of our three up front, that is outstanding – they work like crazy. We have a world-class attitude,” he said.
“But they still have the creativity, speed and desire to be in the box in the decisive moments. I really love that.” said: “He’s very frustrated. He’s been sent off. I think he’s been offended as well, so he didn’t feel it was the right thing to do, to speak.”
Burnley’s backroom team could be in big trouble if they are found to have breached FA Rule E3 (1) which prohibits “indecent words or behaviour” and/or E3 (2) where an aggravated breach “includes a reference to ethnic origin, colour, Liverpool’s remaining Premier League fixtures Friday
May 4 May 12 race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability”.
The standard punishment is a fivegame suspension and £20,000 fine.
Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi was set for surgery last night after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The 18-year-old winger will be out for several months after coming off in the first half of Monday’s game.