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News
De Jong confused with Klopp’s comments after Liverpool win
Nigel de Jong says he is confused by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s comments after the Reds’ win over Burnley.
What’s the story?
The German was left venting his anger at some of the tackles/fouls the Clarets’ players were making.
In an interview after Liverpool’s 2-0 win, Klopp compared the situation to wrestling.
When talking about Burnley’s approach, : “Watch wrestling if you like that kind of thing.
However, his comments were not well received by the former Manchester City man, who questioned him.
Appearing on , de Jong claimed the manager was trying to protect his players.
Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip were the starting centre-back partnership against Sean Dyche’s men.
Both players have only recently returned from long-term injuries.
When talking about Klopp’s comments, de Jong said: “I’m kind of confused about what he’s trying to say. In a sense, he’s trying to protect his players.
“I really think he’s trying to protect Matip and Virgil due to their injury history. I think in the back of his mind because of the players were committed against, that’s what he’s frustrated about.”
Klopp’s comments will not help protect Liverpool duo
Amid confusion from de Jong, Klopp’s comments will not help protect the Liverpool duo.
In just two weeks of Premier League action, the referees have shown a keenness to let games flow. It means tackles that may have resulted in fouls in previous years are unlikely to be blown for.
Despite a 2-0 loss, Burnley put in a very physical display versus van Dijk and Matip. Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood won a total of at Anfield on Saturday.
There was nothing malicious about any of their attempts to win the ball, but it seems Klopp is unhappy.
Unfortunately for the German, his protestations are likely to fall on deaf ears given how refereeing has changed this campaign.
Meanwhile, the club have been planning to sell a player for 12 months.