Jurgen Klopp may be the current darling of English football but he’s not above criticism.
The Liverpool manager has garnered wholesome praise for his honesty and enthusiasm, as well as the way he’s transformed the Anfield side’s fortunes in such as a short amount of time.
But his comments about how Villarreal celebrated their win over his side in the Europa League semi-final first leg tie haven’t gone down very well.
Villarreal take a slender 1-0 lead to Liverpool for the second leg, thanks to an injury time goal by substitute Adrian Lopez. Understandably they were ecstatic about both the significance and timing of the goal, and celebrated in suitably giddy manner. This left Klopp surprisingly ungracious.
“My first thought when everyone was celebrating around me was ‘Sorry, this is not over yet, you still have to come to Anfield, too’. And we will be ready,” said Klopp. “It will be a completely different game. It’s a holy place.”
Many non-Scousers have taken umbrage to the comments, especially seeing as Liverpool were mocked previously this season when they ‘celebrated’ a home draw with West Brom. This was not lost in the backlash…
Klopp bemused by the Villarreal celebrations yet celebrated a point at home to West Brom like they had won the premier league.
— Charlie (@charb009) April 29, 2016
Celebrations similar to Klopp after a home point vs West Brom…..?!?! https://t.co/fXFemMSXEr
— Adam (@adamcoatham) April 28, 2016
Said by Klopp from liverpool who celebrated draw against West Brom https://t.co/9leAlg0n2R
— Jose Mourinho (@ETHballl) April 29, 2016
Haha lmaooooooooo. "Um Klopp that was during the draw against West Brom" pic.twitter.com/MwGeH3XXag
— Mu^ich© (@edgarmuich) April 29, 2016
This is why I hate Klopp, can't take losing. You celebrated a draw again west brom https://t.co/CdoDESF9CZ
— Joe Magri (@MagriWHU) April 29, 2016