The Liverpool boss questioned why VAR was not in operation during the Reds’ 3-2 loss to the Citizens in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
How was everything?
Liverpool saw their defense of one domestic crown in a 3-2 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, making an exciting return to competitive action from the back of the World Cup break. The Reds – with a string of violent absences to contend with – held their own against Manchester City for extended periods of time, but thereafter felt they were done little favors by the official team, who were used to having technological assistance to help them with big decisions.
What did Jurgen Klopp say?
After seeing several offside calls fall in Manchester City’s favour, while the Reds had a late penalty appeal shrugged off, the German tactician said: “Erling Haaland’s first chance, early in the game, was offside. Don’t you know? Yes, it was.” “I’m telling you. It gives the game direction. It was like, ‘Oh my God, they’re through’, it was out of the game, but without the flag, and it gives you a bad feeling.”
According to Jurgen Klopp, he would say if they had VAR, referees were used to VAR and suddenly they would tell them not today. It looked like in a couple of situations they were waiting for it, or thought there was still VAR. But there were a couple of offside decisions where everyone in the stadium was convinced they were offside.
They’ll never know, probably because they can’t win them back. But Klopp says it makes sense if they play competition and VAR everywhere, why not, especially in such a game. “I understand that in the earlier rounds it’s not possible at all levels, but this, City-Liverpool, all the technical stuff is here, so why don’t we use that?” he said.
What else did Jurgen Klopp talk about?
The Liverpool head coach insists that the imminent departure of the sporting director will not have any impact on the Reds’ plans for the January transfer window.
Julian Ward told the Reds in November that he planned to retire at the end of the season, only taking over the role – officially at least – from the Edwards in June. Asked about his reaction to the decision and what impact it could have on the Reds in the meantime, the German coach said it was a surprise when Ward told him but they would work perfectly fine together until the day he will leave.
According to him, Ward is 100% committed and everything is fine. They never had a problem and never will, so everything is fine. Julian told him after the Southampton game and it was a surprise at the time. It’s his decision and that’s okay. Klopp says it won’t have any effect on this period, not at all.
The Liverpool manager laughed when the name Bellingham – a top target for next summer – was mentioned as a possible winter arrival but did offer some insight when asked about former Liverpool star Carragher’s comments that the Reds needed over £200m of fresh investment in their composition.
“It’s Christmas, huh?” Jurgen Klopp smiled. Klopp says he doesn’t know the exact amount of money, but he’s not opposed to investing to be honest. It will be seen what the future brings, but Jurgen is still convinced that it will be good for them. Later Klopp added that January, they can imagine in their situation what they are watching, but if something happens, they will see.