Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has branded Jurgen Klopp’s past criticism of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone as ‘unfair’.
The Liverpool boss delivered an honest verdict on the style of play deployed by the reigning La Liga champions after being knocked out of the Champions League by them in March 2020.
Beaten 3-2 on the night in the last-16 second-leg tie, the Reds were sent packing from Europe as Simeone’s Atletico side soaked up the pressure before scoring three times in extra-time.
Speaking after what proved to be a deeply frustrating evening, Klopp pulled no punches when discussing the display of the Spanish team.
READ MORE: Liverpool £75m transfer record under threat as clock ticks on new landmark
READ MORE: Liverpool have secret weapon in transfer battle involving more than 12 clubs
“I don’t understand with the quality they have that they play this kind of football. I don’t understand that. But the winner is always right,” said the Liverpool boss.
“When I see players like Llorente, Koke, Saul… they could play proper football but they stand deep in their own half and have counter-attacks.”
Setting the record straight on his comments ahead of this season’s first Champions League group stage meeting with Atletico, Klopp admitted: “I couldn't respect more what they do.
"Do I like it? Not too much but that is normal because I prefer a different kind of football. That's me.”
Trippier, who left Atletico this month to return to the Premier League with Newcastle, has now suggested that Klopp is missing the bigger picture with Simeone.
“It’s a bit unfair,” he told the Athletic.
“Simeone has been so successful over the last 11 years. He’s won eight trophies. I understand where Klopp is coming from, but if you’re playing at Anfield you can’t go toe-to-toe with them because you’ll get punished.”
Part of the Atletico team that condemned Liverpool to a first defeat at Anfield in 42 matches, ending hopes of retaining the European Cup in the process, Trippier also revealed the tactics deployed to achieve success against the Reds.
He said: “I remember Simeone telling us that night to keep our shape and try to catch them on the counter-attack and, at the end of the day, it’s about winning.
“Not everybody can play the Klopp way or the (Pep) Guardiola way. It’s just not realistic. Everybody has their own system or set-up and Simeone’s is different. It’s worked for him.”
