Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp endeavoured to clarify “angry” comments he made about Atletico Madrid in February 2020, when he accused the Spaniards of trying to get Sadio Mane sent off.
Klopp lashed out at Diego Simeone ’s side after their 1-0 first-leg defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano, when an early goal by Saul Niguez put Atletico in the driving seat of their Round of 16 tie.
After the defeat, Klopp accused the eleven time La Liga champions of trying to get Mane sent off, after the Senegalese forward received a booking for accidentally catching Sime Vrsaljko with a loose arm.
"SO SAD": Luis Suarez opens up about Liverpool return after hostile Anfield reception
SALAH: Suarez clause shows shows Liverpool's main problem in key contract talks
MAN UTD vs LIVERPOOL: Neville and Carragher clash over Ronaldo role in combined XIs
The German manager hauled Mane off at half-time in fear the former Southampton forward would get a second yellow card, and he held nothing back in his post-match interview.
“It is obviously a part of football that I don’t like,” Klopp said after the first leg in February 2020.
“The plan tonight was to get Sadio out of the game with a second yellow card.
“I was afraid that Sadio’s opponent would go down if he took a deep breath on him or something.
“I don’t want to have this situation and that is why I took him off.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! What will Liverpool achieve this season? Comment below
Just over 18 months later, Liverpool are set to face off against Simeone’s side once more in the group stages of the Champions League.
The Reds currently top Group B having defeated AC Milan and Porto 3-2 at Anfield and 5-1 at the Estadio do Dragao respectively.
However, ahead of the contest, Klopp looked to clarify his comments and emphasise his respect for Simeone and his side.
"I was angry, disappointed about lots of things,” said the former Borussia Dortmund manager.
“About life a little bit, things were going so wrong with the world at that moment {because of Covid-19} and that we had to concentrate on football in really strange circumstances.
"Of course, we played against a world-class team who defended with all they have.
“That was probably the reason I said the things that I said."
WIN AN iPHONE 13! Find out how to enter our competition
Atletico went on to beat Liverpool 3-2 in a dramatic second leg which proved to be the final fixture to be played at Anfield, before the United Kingdom went into lockdown.
Klopp’s side were downed by a brace from Marcos Llorente and a final breakaway goal from Alvaro Morata, which sent Simeone racing up the touchline in celebration.
While Liverpool was on the losing side, Klopp made a point of re-emphasising the quality of his side’s performance in the second-leg, despite the score-line.
RIVALRY: Who is the better coach - Klopp or Simeone? Let us know in the comments section
"We played them at home and people forget because it is all about winning football matches. but we played an exceptional game at home, an absolutely exceptional game,” Klopp said menacingly.
"We didn't forget how bad we were there (in the first leg) and I am pretty sure Atletico Madrid have not forgotten how good we were at home.
"There is a way to cause them problems, but you have to play a top-class game and if you don't do that, they eat you. That is what we should avoid."
