Klopp Surprised By Man City’s Champions League Ban
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is shocked by UEFA’s decision to ban Manchester City from European competitions for two seasons following a breach in Financial Fair Play rules
The English champions were also fined £25m for breaking UEFA’s club licensing regulations, though the club will appeal against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Speaking to the media after Liverpool’s win against Norwich at the Carrow Road on Saturday, Klopp revealed he was taken aback by their rivals’ news.
"It was a shock. Complete wow," the former Borussia Dortmund head coach said.
"The only thing I can say is about football. What they have done on the football pitch is exceptional. The rest, I don't know. You believe the people you work with, that's how it is.”
"I really feel for them, Pep and the players, but that is how it is. They can appeal so we will see what happens then.”
“It is obviously serious. But the football they played was exceptional and will always be exceptional.”
Sadio Mane’s lone goal helped Liverpool take another stride towards the Premier League title, but the German coach was not entirely convinced with the Reds’ performance.
"It was a difficult game for different reasons. The wind, the organization of the opponent and the way we played first half made it tricky for us," Klopp added.
"The distance between the line was too big, too early with the long ball, no second player around to collect the second ball.”
“It was not exactly like we wanted to do. The counter press was not there because we didn't push up enough. We still had nice situations, good set pieces but not really much more.”
"Fabinho coming on was very important for the organization. Sadio was fresh and he helped us to win the game, which was outstanding.”
“I have to watch the goal back but I'm pretty sure it was a fantastic finish.”
"I could tell in all the players faces that they weren't nervous, they were enjoying it, and if one team was going to score it was going to be us.”
“We protected against the counter attack well too. It's really all about these wonderful football players.”
"The gap is so insane, I don't really understand it. I'm not smart enough. I've not had that before.”
“It's outstanding, it's so difficult. I go back into the changing room and we chat about the things and then I'm like oh, but congratulations. We won the game, another three points."
