Klopp targets broadcasters over scheduling in fiery post-match interview
Jurgen Klopp was involved in a heated exchange with BT Sport's Des Kelly during the post-match interview following Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The German manager was involved in a debate about match scheduling after Kelly asked a question about an injury suffered by James Milner, who was starting his third game in six days.
"Yeah, congratulations," Klopp said when Kelly inquired as to whether it was a hamstring issue.
The interviewer took exception when Klopp clarified he was directing blame at BT Sport for selecting Liverpool's match for television coverage in the 12:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 a.m. ET) kickoff slot - after the Reds played in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"Maybe you're firing at the wrong target?" Kelly said. "We are broadcasters, we work within the Premier League rules, and the Premier League makes the rules. So, that's the Premier League clubs. So, shouldn't you be talking to Premier League clubs?"
Klopp doubled down on his criticism and cited the kickoff times available later on Saturdays, but Kelly pointed out, "When you say (BT Sport) picked the 12:30 p.m., the Premier League clubs chose that slot. There's a reason that slot is there, it's valuable to the Premier League."
A fascinating interview between Jurgen Klopp and @TheDesKelly discussing Liverpool's draw with Brighton, the Reds' injuries and fixture schedule. pic.twitter.com/s0BhahlUsP
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 28, 2020
Klopp's mood was also sour after two Liverpool goals were disallowed following video reviews, and the referee, Stuart Attwell, consulted the pitchside monitor before awarding Brighton a late, crucial penalty.
Earlier in the interview, Kelly told Klopp that his captain, Jordan Henderson, claimed some Brighton players agreed with him that their spot-kick shouldn't have been given. Klopp's reaction indicated he believed Kelly was trying to draw controversial quotes rather than make a legitimate contribution to the post-match conversation.
"You try to create again, on my cost, a headline, because that's how it is. If I say it now, it was not … the ref whistled it," Klopp said. "Don't look like this, you try, always, all the time. Today, I say it was a penalty, and you are not happy with that answer."
Liverpool return to the pitch Tuesday when they face Ajax in the Champions League group stage.