In the aftermath of Liverpool's slip up in the title race on Saturday night, Jurgen Klopp criticised opponents Spurs for "time-wasting" before claiming he "doesn't like that kind of football" when asked about their approach to the game.
Liverpool could only record a 1-1 draw against Antonio Conte's side, meaning they sit top of the Premier League table on goal difference with rivals Manchester City set to play their game in hand against Newcastle later today.
Son Heung-min, who has been outstanding this season, scored his 20th league of the 2021/22 campaign to put Spurs ahead on the 56-minute mark, but the sensational Luis Diaz netted an equaliser to give the home side a point.
After the full-time whistle, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called out Antonio Conte's side for "time-wasting" while pointing out that their position in the league table.
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“For all the praise for Tottenham, a world class opponent, they won against Manchester City – the game play works for these games but they are still fifth and for everything they were time-wasting," he said. "It makes not easier, it’s smart but not easy."
You can see that post-match interview below.
Then, in his post-match press conference, Klopp was asked about Spurs' overall approach to the game.
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“I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that, I don’t like this kind of football," the German said. "But that’s my personal problem. I think they’re world-class, and I think they should do more for the game.
“I think the game against Liverpool they had 36, 38% possession. But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it.
“Fine, they won whatever. Fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t. I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.”
Klopp also called out the busy fixture list after the 1-1 draw to Spurs – a result that means they are level on points with City, who have a game in-hand against Newcastle on Sunday.
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"In these moments we could have been better and in better positions," he said. "But apart from that, it’s just incredibly difficult to play against an opponent with a world class manager and a full-week to prepare.
"We play every three days it’s so tricky but I’m really fine with the performance."
Conte, meanwhile, was delighted with Spurs' efforts against Champions League finalists Liverpool, especially at the back.
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"I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection," the Italian said.
"At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.
“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.
“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”
Thoughts on Jurgen Klopp's comments after the Tottenham game?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: @AnfieldWatch/TwitterTopics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League
