Jurgen Klopp has rejected Frank Lampard’s suggestion that the Liverpool bench was “arrogant” during the Reds’ 5-3 Premier League win over Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The two managers were seen arguing in the technical zones at Anfield, but the title-winning boss says he has no issue with the words spoken – other than when it continued beyond full-time.
A video circulating on social media clearly showed the Chelsea boss swearing and gesticulating at the home coaches and Lampard has acknowledged he regrets the language used.
But Klopp has defended his backroom staff and said in his pre-Newcastle press conference that in-game emotions should be left at the whistle.
“We are not arrogant. Frank was in really competitive mood, I respect that a lot,” he said. “For me, after the game, it’s completely over.
“I have said a lot in the past, because it’s pure emotion, [we are] really involved.
“But what he has to learn is to finish it with the last whistle and he didn’t do that. Speaking after the whistle is not OK.
“He has a lot of time to learn, he’s a young coach, but that’s what he has to learn.
“During the game, the words he used, no problems at all. But, final whistle: close the book. He didn’t do that and that’s what I don’t like.”
Klopp’s team now prepare for their final match of a successful campaign, while Lampard’s Chelsea host Wolves on the final day, needing a point to secure a top-four finish.
