“They are still fifth”- Klopp bemoans Spurs for timewasting tactics in Liverpool draw

Jurgen Klopp unhappy with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur for timewasting in Liverpool draw

Speaking in the post-match interview (h/t The Mirror) after the draw against Tottenham Hotspur, Jurgen Klopp slammed Antonio Conte’s team for their timewasting tactics against Liverpool.

Both teams came into this game knowing they wanted a win to keep their respective league goals alive. Spurs are chasing Arsenal for the 4th spot while LFC are in a direct battle with Manchester City for the PL title.

Conte clearly set his team up to defend against the Reds and pouncing on a mistake from Klopp’s team, took the lead in the second half through Son Heung-min. Andrew Robertson was all over the place for the goal but Fabinho and Ibrahima Konate

Luis Diaz equalized with more than 15 minutes left on the clock. Spurs knew that if they drew, they would still trail Arsenal by 4 points with three games to go if the Gunners beat Leeds United today. Yet, their tactics seemed to be of a team that was playing for a 1-1. And Klopp was not fond of it, of course.

“For all the praise for Tottenham, a world-class opponent, they won against City – the game play works for these games but they are still fifth and for everything they were timewasting – it makes not easier, it’s smart but not easy.”

Who to blame?

Anfield is a fortress and we can’t really blame any opposition for settling for a point. Yes, a win would have done them a world of good, but a draw still keeps them in the top four race. Liverpool are more to blame for this draw than anyone else.

Mohamed Salah was having a nightmare of a game down the right flank yet stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Divock Origi could have been brought on to make him the focal point of the attack while even the world-class Thiago Alcantara seemed to be a bit off form.

All in all, it is a result we will have to swallow and move on. There are bigger games to be played this season with the FA Cup final awaiting us at Wembley against Chelsea on 14th. But before that, we have a trip to Steven Gerrard’s new home at Villa Park.

More Liverpool News

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• Post-Match Quotes: Jurgen Klopp gives his verdict on PL title race after Liverpool draw vs Tottenham Hotspur

If Manchester City (and that is a big ‘if’) fail to beat Newcastle United, then that game against the Villans becomes of prime importance to us. But if Pep Guardiola’s men win, like they are expected to, then it could be a wrap in this season’s PL title race.