Klopp claims referee had ‘personal problem’ with Liverpool star in 3-1 loss to Madrid

Jurgen Klopp revealed what he said to referee after Sadio Mane was booked against Real Madrid

Talking in an interview (h/t Metro) after the match, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that he thought the referee was ‘unfair’ against Sadio Mane in his club’s 3-1 defeat.

The Reds lost to Zinedine Zidane’s men but there was a moment in the build-up to Madrid’s second goal that irked Liverpool.

Mane was clearly fouled in Madrid’s defensive third before a mistake from Trent-Alexander Arnold gifted Marco Asensio an easy goal. The winger was yellow-carded in the aftermath of the goal as he argued with referee Felix Brych.

And Klopp revealed that he made his feelings known to the referee after the match, even going on to claim that the referee might have had a ‘personal problem’ with the Senegalese superstar.

“The situation with Sadio, I’m not sure what the ref did tonight. It seemed like it was sort of personal. I told him after the game, ‘I just thought he was unfair with Sadio.’ He didn’t lose us the game but you need just an OK ref.”

Unfair treatment

Klopp is quite right in his assessment there. The loss was almost entirely down to the player’s performance on the pitch and the manager was himself outplayed by his counterpart in the opposite dugout.

But the refereeing decisions throughout the match seemed inconsistent. It is futile discussing that now and crying over spilt beans would do no one any good.

Instead, the team should focus on channelling their best form for the return leg at Anfield next week on Wednesday night.

More Liverpool News:

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• Liverpool looking at Patson Daka of RB Salzburg as Haaland and Mbappe alternative

The Reds have countless famous European nights in their history. And however tough it may look right now, the tie is not over until it’s over; Liverpool fans should know that better than anyone by now.