Atletico Madrid stars ‘angered and surprised’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s accusations of play-acting and trying to get Sadio Mane sent off in Champions League last-16 tie
- Jurgen Klopp was unhappy with Atletico Madrid’s approach on Tuesday night
- Liverpool were beaten 1-0 in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie
- Boss also accused opposition fans and players of over-celebrating at full time
Atletico Madrid’s players were reportedly left angry and surprised after Jurgen Klopp accused them of play-acting in their Champions League last-16 victory over Liverpool.
Klopp was unhappy with the approach of Diego Simeone’s side at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night, and even claimed that they were trying to get Sadio Mane sent off.
Post-match, Andy Robertson said the home side ‘started falling over’ while Virgil van Dijk added: ‘That is the way they play, that’s Spanish football’.
Jurgen Klopp was angered by the approach of Atletico Madrid in Spain on Tuesday night
The Liverpool boss accused his opponents of over-celebrating after the final whistle
Atletico’s stars are said to be surprised by the complaints, and believe Klopp and Co should be ‘gracious’ in defeat and focus on the shortcoming of his own side, according to ESPN.
Mane was withdrawn at half time of the 1-0 defeat, courtesy of an early Saul Niguez strike, and Klopp claimed he feared a red card for the Senegalese.
‘It’s part of football, I don’t like it,’ Klopp said. ‘The plan was to get Sadio out of the game with a yellow card.
‘I was afraid that his opponent would go down if Sadio only took a deep breath. After 30 minutes, three Atletico players were on the ground, not even injured.’
Klopp claimed that Spanish outfit were trying to get Sadio Mane sent off in the first half
Klopp also accused the players and fans of over-celebrating after the final whistle: ‘They got a result, the stadium wasn’t here to see sensational football, they got the result and so they are happy.
‘There are a lot of happy faces tonight from Atletico.
‘It’s only 1-0, we’re not 5-0 down. We don’t think it will be easy at our ground. For all Atletico fans who can get a ticket for the game, welcome to Anfield.’
Atletico’s players reportedly believe Klopp should focus on the shortcomings of his own side