Jurgen Klopp takes a dig at Atletico Madrid’s tactics following bitter defeat

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had a slight dig at the tactics employed by Atletico Madrid following the Reds’ loss to the Spaniards in the UEFA Champions League.

The Merseysiders were beaten 3-2 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate as their efforts to defend their crown went up in smoke. The Reds started off brightly and looked to have turned the tie around but a late trio of goals from Atletico ended the match in Diego Simeone’s favour.

Speaking to the media after the game, Klopp admitted that although he was happy with his team’s performance, playing against Atletico is a difficult proposition.

“I am completely happy with the performance. It’s so difficult to play a side like this.”

The German was at a loss to explain why the Spaniards chose to play the type of football they do, given the players at their disposal. He was however gracious to admit that at the end of the day the history is written by the victors.

“I don’t understand with the quality they have that they play this kind of football. I don’t understand that. But the winner is always right.”

He mentioned a number of Atletico’s talents such as Koke and Saul and stated that the players are more than capable of playing ‘proper football’ instead of spending the match defending deep and only venturing forward on the counter.

Injustice for the better team

In spite of congratulating his opponents, Klopp admitted that the result did no justice to his side’s performance. Liverpool were dominant in possession and efforts on goal and could have earned a victory if they had taken their chances.

“We accept it of course but it doesn’t feel right tonight.”

Klopp admitted that his comments could make him seem like a bad loser. He acknowledged that his side have had their share of luck in the last two years and that it was their turn to be on the wrong side on the night.

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

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Liverpool returns to action on the weekend in the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. The Reds need just six more points to win their maiden Premier League title.