Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp questioned the volume of spot-kicks Manchester United have been awarded in a bitter outburst following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about Klopp’s comments for the first time and he made a valid point that other managers are trying to influence referees.
Klopp brought it up after losing to Southampton without being prompted by the post-match interviewer, so it’s clear he wanted to get it off his chest at some point, while throwing his toys out of the pram.
“I hear now that Manchester United had more penalties in two years than I had in five and a half years,” Klopp said (via GOAL). “I’ve no idea if that’s my fault, or how that can happen.”
United have been awarded 11 penalties in all competitions this season, with six of those coming in the league, while Klopp’s side have been awarded five in the league – a minimal difference.
But perhaps Klopp was talking more about the fact United have won 42 in all competitions since Solskjaer took over in December 2018, compared to Liverpool winning 19 in the same time frame.
“I don’t count how many penalties they have, so if they want to spend time on worrying about when we get fouled in the box, I don’t spend time on that,” Solskjaer replied when asked about other managers’ fascination with United being awarded penalties.
“I can’t talk on behalf of other managers, why they say things like this. Obviously I felt it worked last year in the semi in the FA Cup because Frank spoke about it and we had a nailed-on penalty that we should have had that we didn’t get.
“So maybe it’s a way of influencing referees. I don’t know, but I don’t worry about that. When they foul our players it’s a penalty. It’s just when it’s inside the box.”
Solskjaer will have a chance to get one over on Klopp when the Red Devils travel to Anfield on January 17.
Manchester United have been awarded 11 penalties across all competitions so far this season, with six being in the Premier League — which is one more than Liverpool’s five. A minimal difference you’d have to say!
But perhaps Klopp was talking more about the fact United have won 42 in all competitions since Solskjaer took over in December 2018, compared to Liverpool winning 19 in the same time frame.
I have always said that complaining about a team that gets the most penalties is pointless. The defenders we come up against must take full responsibility for figures being high, as well as players of our own who are getting into these positions every week.
The aim of the game is to win and Klopp would’ve took two penalties last night if it meant seeing Liverpool beat the Saints.
Read more: FA let Klopp off the hook after Manchester United penalties comment
Klopp needs to Cop on and get his forwards scoring from open play.
2 points from 9 is not championship material….and stop worrying about being awarded possible penalties
Mike Scouse