Klopp interviewer reveals truth over Liverpool boss’‘not in great shape’ comments
DANISH reporter Niels Christian Frederiksen does not believe Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was calling him overweight.
Frederiksen was in the eye of a storm after the Merseysiders’ 4-3 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The Reds led in normal and extratime, but saw United equalise on both occasions before Amad Diallo’s last minute strike sent the Red Devils’ into the semi-final at Wembley.
After the match, Klopp stormed out of his interview with Norwegian channel VSport1, after Frederiksen asked the German why their intensity dropped in extra-time.
Despite the 56-year-old appearing to question the Dane’s weight, Frederiksen made it clear Klopp was not trying to fat shame him.
After he asked why Liverpool’s intensity dropped in extra-time, Klopp said: “Bit of a dumb question I feel. We have played, I don’t know how many games recently. I don’t know how many games United have exactly played.
“That’s sport. I’m really disappointed with that question, but you thought, obviously, it’s good.”
When the reporter replied: “So, too many games,” Klopp patted him on the shoulder, ushered his way past and said: “Come on, you are obviously not in a great shape and I don’t have the nerve for this. What is wrong with you?”
The reporter was asked about his exchange with the former Borussia Dortmund manager the day after their clash at Wembley.
When the topic came to Klopp’s “out of shape” comments, Frederiksen laughed and clarified he was not talking about his weight.
“No, no, no, that was not at all what he meant,” the journalist said to Tipsbladet.
“First of all, I’m not overweight, and if I were, he would never ever say that. That’s not how Klopp is.
“It wasn’t meant like that at all. He’s not at all mean. He meant that I was unable and unfit to ask questions. There was nothing else.”
Klopp will have the international break to cool down before his side return to Premier League action with a home clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on March 31. —