It doesn’t matter if it’s just a preseason friendly, Jurgen Klopp takes every game seriously.
The Liverpool manager was unhappy with Atletico Madrid’s tactics during Wednesday’s evening’s Audi Cup final at the Allianz Arena as the Reds lost on penalties to the La Liga outfit.
Atletico took the lead via Keidi Bare in the first half but a late spot-kick from Roberto Firmino forced penalties.
Jordan Henderson saw his effort from 12 yards saved in the shootout while each of the other nine takers converted, giving Diego Simeone’s side the trophy.
SAVE! Not the best penalty from Henderson – watch LIVE on ITV4 pic.twitter.com/Q5mFXgHNIw
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 2, 2017
Liverpool dominated for large periods of the second half but, in typical Atletico fashion, they defended diligently and offered little offence after the break.
And Klopp criticised Aleti’s contentment with defending their lead and prioritising a victory over playing football.
“After the second half, we deserved the penalty shootout and then it’s luck,” Klopp said on the pitch after the game.
“In the first half, you could see two teams with plans and Atletico enjoyed their plans of sitting deep and counter-attacking. We played football and had about 70 or 80 per cent ball possession but there wasn’t enough finishing. That’s normal.
Klopp's post-match interview.pic.twitter.com/I76qIu3CL5
— LFC Round Up (@LFCroundup) August 2, 2017
“Defending together is easier than attacking together, especially when the players are a little bit tired.
“In the second half, we did better and we created the space we wanted to use like we did before the penalty. We had a few more of these situations.
“Next week, the freshness will come back as normal and then we will see better football. Tonight looked a little bit stiff.
“Atletico wanted to win the cup. We also wanted to win the cup but we also wanted to play a little bit of football. Atletico just wanted to win the cup.”
