Atletico Madrid’s players were allegedly left angry and amazed after Jurgen Klopp accused them of play-acting in their Champions League last-16 victory over Liverpool.
Klopp was not pleased with the method of Diego Simeone’s side in the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night, and even claimed they were trying to get Sadio Mane sent off.
Post-match, Andy Robertson said the home side ‘began falling over’ while Virgil van Dijk added:’This is the way they play, that is Spanish soccer’.
Atletico’s stars are reportedly amazed by the complaints and think Klopp and Co should be’gracious’ in defeat and focus on the shortcomings of their own side, according to ESPN.
Mane was pulled at half-time of the 1-0 defeat, courtesy of an early Saul Niguez attack, and Klopp claimed he dreaded a red card to the Senegalese.
‘It is part of football, I do not enjoy it,’ Klopp said. ‘The plan was to get Sadio from this match with a yellow card.
‘I was scared that his opponent goes down if Sadio only took a deep breath. After 30 minutes, three Atletico players were on the floor, not even hurt.’
Klopp also accused the players and lovers of over-celebrating following the final whistle:’They obtained a result, the scene was not here to see sensational football, they got the result and thus they are happy.
‘There are a whole lot of happy faces tonight from Atletico.
‘It is only 1-0, we are not 5-0 down. We do not think it is going to be simple at our ground. For many Atletico fans who can find a ticket for the match, welcome to Anfield.’
