‘Bad loser’ Klopp takes swipe at Atletico

Jurgen Klopp hit out at Atletico Madrid’s defensive approach after holders Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday.

Klopp’s side were on course for the quarterfinals after taking a 2-0 lead in extra time in the last-16 second leg.

Goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino left Liverpool 2-1 up on aggregate at Anfield.

But a howler from goalkeeper Adrian opened the floodgates as Marcos Llorente struck twice before Alvaro Morata completed Atletico’s 42 aggregate triumph.

It was a bitter blow for Reds boss Klopp, who had seen his team dominate the first 90 minutes without taking enough chances to win the tie.

Klopp couldn’t hide his frustration at the way Atletico manager Diego Simeone set up his side in a cautious counterattacking style for long periods.

“It’s so difficult to play a side like this. I don’t understand with the quality they have the football they play,” Klopp said.

“They could play proper football but they stand deep and have counterattacks.

“I am a bad loser, especially when the boys put such an effort in against world-class players who defend with two rows of four.”

The defeat ended Liverpool’s bid for a third successive Champions League final appearance.