Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp let loose at an Amazon Prime presenter after his team’s win at Sheffield United on Wednesday. The German claimed Marcus Buckland was “disrespectful” for referencing his dislike for 12.30pm kick-offs.
Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai scored as Liverpool recorded a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane. The Reds are just two points behind Arsenal and four clear of Manchester City.
You would have been excused to think Klopp was going to be in a good mood in his post-match interview. But it was clear the 56-year-old was not prepared to joke around.
Next up Liverpool play away to Crystal Palace at 12.30pm on Saturday. Klopp has often expressed his displeasure at an early weekend kick-off time, especially after playing a game in midweek.
Amazon presenter Buckland attempted to make light of that when Klopp joined him and the punditry team after the full-time whistle. However, Klopp took exception to his comment.
Buckland said: “You’ve had some injury problems, you’ve got all these games, you’re still going strong in Europe, in the League Cup, in the FA Cup. You’re going to Crystal Palace, your favourite kick-off time at the weekend.”
To which Klopp replied: “That’s brave, I have to say! That’s really brave to make a joke about that, really.”
Klopp then claimed Buckland was “ignorant” for not understanding his reasons for not liking 12.30 matches. He added: “It is constant. Now we go home, I don’t know exactly when we will arrive, 1am, 2am, whatever. And then we play again.
“We have two sessions, so it’s fine to recover and then we go again. Crystal Palace played as well tonight so it’s absolutely fine but I realise you don’t understand it as well, even when you work in football, so why should I try to explain again?
“To make a joke of that [is] completely ignorant. But it’s good, football is entertainment and I understand. It’s all good.”
Buckland attempted to explain his comment. He responded: “It’s just one of those issues that come up and I’m not trying to be disrespectful.” But Klopp interrupted to say: “You were already.”
Buckland replied: “Well Jurgen I apologise.” To which Klopp said: “All good, all good. You can say what you want. Just I cannot say what I want because that would be really different.”
Buckland ended the exchange by wishing Liverpool the best for the trip to Selhurst Park. But an irked Klopp hit back saying: “And you’ll tell that to Crystal Palace as well, thank you very much,” before throwing his microphone down on the table and walking away.
