Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expects sanctions after referee rant
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has previously said that he will embrace his team playing in the Europa League.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expecting to face disciplinary action after accusing referee Paul Tierney of bearing a grudge against his team in last Sunday’s dramatic 4-3 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Diogo Jota’s stoppage-time strike sealed victory at Anfield, but Klopp was so incensed by the officiating throughout the match that he charged down the touchline to celebrate wildly in front of fourth official John Brooks.
He also lambasted Tierney after the game.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of the Reds’ home clash against Fulham on Wednesday, the Liverpool boss said: “I shouldn’t have said what I said, but I didn’t lie.
“It’s in not my hands what goes on now. We won a game 4-3 in a spectacular manner and the only headlines I created (were negative). We expect a reaction because everyone tells us something will come.
“I probably have to expect a punishment. Refs think I questioned their integrity, but that I don’t do.”
On the pitch, his men are seeking to extend their winning streak to five matches as they hope to carry the momentum into the home stretch following a disappointing season.
With five fixtures left, fifth-placed Liverpool still have seven points to make up to Manchester United, in fourth, having played a game.
Klopp was wary of the threat Fulham can pose as his players chase an improbable Champions League spot.
“They are having a great season. They are still performing but maybe not getting the same results as before,” said the German, whose team are winless in their last three league games against Fulham, drawing twice.
“They are a really good side and we are aware of how good they are. The way we played (against Spurs) was exceptional at the beginning, there were no counters from them.
“We have to do that again.”
The injured Calvin Ramsay and Stefan Bajcetic are unavailable for the match, while Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita are close to a return. Jota is a major doubt due to a back injury.
Fulham head to Anfield on the back of two straight defeats, which have dented hopes of finishing in the European spots. Marco Silva’s men are lying in 10th on 45 points.
The Cottagers, unlike Liverpool, are ending the season in poor form, losing in seven of their last nine fixtures in all competitions and failing to keep a clean sheet since February.
“It’s up to us to be ready to play at Anfield. It’s always really tough. It will be for sure another great challenge for us,” Silva said.
The Fulham boss will be without Tim Ream and Andreas Pereira, who both suffered season-ending injuries in their 2-1 loss to Manchester City the last time out.
In other news, Leeds United are set to sack manager Javi Gracia and are in talks to appoint Sam Allardyce, according to the BBC.
Leeds are languishing in 17th, above the relegation zone only on goal difference, with four games left. AFP