Jurgen Klopp has been accused of being âsaltyâ in his post-match press conference after Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in the 2021-22 Champions League final.Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of the game in the second half as Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for a record-breaking 14th time at the Stade de France in Paris.Liverpool, who were being tipped to win a historic quadruple one week ago, end the season without either the Premier League or Champions League trophies but did manage to win both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.And Klopp couldnât hide his frustration that his side had lost to a team that only mustered one shot on target over the course of the 90 minutes.
What did Jurgen Klopp say after Liverpool lost to Real Madrid?
The Liverpool boss, per Sky Sports, said: âThey scored a goal, we didnât, thatâs the easiest explanation in the world of football and itâs hard, harsh to get anyway, [but we] respect that of course. When the goalkeeper is Man of the Match then something is going wrong for the other team, so we had I think three really big chances where Courtois made incredible saves. I would have loved to have had a few more of this calibre."
He continued: "I think Madrid had one shot on target, is that right? And that was a goal. But, look, I understand 100 per cent and I respect 100 per cent the reason for playing football and having these kinds of competitions is to win the game, and whatever you do â as long as itâs in the rules â itâs allowed and you can do it. Itâs completely fine. We had to defend as well in moments, just that we blocked the shots or whatever. We played a good game, but when you lose 1-0 you have to admit it was then not good enough."
Klopp then took issue with one particularly question asked by a reporter, who asked: âWhat do you think was the key difference today between winning and losing?â
Baffled by the question, Klopp said: âEh? What is the key difference between winning and losing? Thatâs your question? I donât understand it. They scored and we didnât. What do you mean? Sorry, can you explain because I donât understand it. What is the key difference between winning and losing?â
The reporter clarified: âWhat did you feel was missing from today to get the win?â
Klopp said: âWell they scored and we didnât. Thatâs not easy to say. We could have played better football but Madrid could have played better football but they didnât and won anyway.
âWe can now say Madrid played exactly like they had to - fine, thatâs how you play a final.
âApart from the goal, they didnât have a shot on target, thatâs a good sign for my team. We had nine shots on target, a really good number, the problem is they scored with one shot and we didnât score with nine, thatâs the difference between losing and winning.â
Video: Jurgen Klopp's UCL final post-match press conference
Watch the snippet from Kloppâs press conference here:
Now letâs check out some of the reaction from football fans:
How will Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool respond next season?
Itâs no secret that Klopp isnât the best loser, but then which winner doesnât hate losing?
Unquestionably one of the best managers in the world, Klopp was clearly sorely disappointed with how Liverpoolâs season has ended and who can blame him?
That said, thereâs no doubt that Klopp and his players will be back even stronger next term.
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool is consoled by Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool following their sides defeat in the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)