Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp apologized to the referee for his anger, earning him a yellow card against Sparta Praha
Jurgen Klopp apologized for his aggression towards the referee that earned him a yellow card as Liverpool beat Sparta Praha. The Reds won the second leg of the Europa League round 16 tie 6-1 at Anfield, demolishing Sparta on Thursday.
Klopp surprisingly put in a strong lineup considering that the FA Cup quarter-final game against Manchester United looms on Sunday. Nevertheless, the 56-year-old has maintained taking “one game at a time” philosophy throughout this season despite the 1-5 first-leg victory.
Liverpool scored quick goals during the start of the game, taking the scoreline to 4-0 in just the 14th minute. They dominated the proceedings and added two more goals to take the total aggregate to 11-2 before the final whistle.
Speaking with the press (h/t Liverpool Echo), Klopp admitted that he apologized to the referee Artur Dias for his aggression. He said:
“Actually the thing is we wanted to change and the fourth official was showing it but the ref let the game go on and then we get the yellow card (for Quansah. The yellow card wasn’t the problem I was afraid Conor Bradley could get injured in that situation and that’s what clicked a little bit in my mind. I told the ref after the game the yellow card was fine. I was calm before and calm after, just in that little moment I lost it a little bit. Sorry.”
The moment in question happened in the 65th minute of the game when centre-back Jarell Quansah received a yellow card. Quansah made two tackles right before his impending substitution as the referee deemed the second one reckless.
In Klopp’s defence, he is immensely protective of his youngsters and his reaction is the sheer example of his affection. The Liverpool boss has deployed the academy players numerous times this season, particularly during the injury crisis.
Liverpool are still suffering from that injury crisis with multiple key players sidelined, unable to compete during this crucial stage. Instead of looking for reinforcement in the January transfer window, Klopp has continued to trust his youngsters.
Only two sides have ever scored 11 goals across two legs of a Europa League knockout round tie:
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 14, 2024
Lyon vs. AZ Alkmaar (2017)
Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague (2024)
Klopp's side move one step closer to another trophy. pic.twitter.com/rqYk83s7yX
At the same time, the academy players have consistently lived up to the faith shown by their manager. They have played a pivotal role in the Reds’ triumph over Chelsea to secure the Carabao Cup trophy.
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Many of the academy players have secured their spot in the senior team, showing the talent and personality to play for Liverpool. Klopp has installed a culture that balances the club’s ambition with the environment that nurtures the academy talent, turning boys into men.
