Jurgen Klopp has spoken publicly for the first time since the announcement that Liverpool will join the European Super League and had an oblique jibe at Gary Neville.
Neville's response to initial reports on the breakaway league resonated with football fans across the country, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal coming in for the strongest criticism.
Jurgen Klopp on Super League
🚨 | Jurgen Klopp speaks about the European Super League...
The #LFC manager explains his thoughts on the breakaway proposals and reveals him and his players were not consulted on the decision.
Watch #MNF live on Sky Sports Premier League now! pic.twitter.com/DLSXeT1Lze— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2021
In his initial reaction, Neville castigated - among others - the red half on Merseyside.
"Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal should know better. The tradition that runs through those clubs [...] they leave a lot to be desired.
"Liverpool Football Club - seriously? You go onto the streets of Liverpool - I don't like them and they don't like me - but what I always thought about them was that they were honest and they had integrity. They would look after their people, look after their own.
"That's gone - forget about that. If they sign that letter of intent, they are as bad as the rest of them."
Klopp responded in an interview with Neville's employer, Sky Sports.
"It's a tough one, people aren't happy with that - I can understand that but I cannot say a lot more about it because we were not involved in any processes, not the players, not me.
"That is the fact, the facts are out there."
Champions League support
Klopp said that he remains a supporter of the Champions League.
"I'm 53 years old, since I was a professional player the Champions League was always there. Mya aim was always [...] to coach a team there. I have obviously no issues with the Champions League, I like the competitive factor of football as well.
"I like the fact that West Ham might play Champions League football next year, I don't want them to because we want to do that as well!
"What can I say? What I want to say as well is that I heard a few things, what I really don't like is that Liverpool Football Club is much more than some decisions. The most important part of football are the supporters and the team.
"We have to make sure that nothing gets in between that. I heard that we took banners down at Anfield and I really don't understand that because we didn't win all the games but we didn't do anything wrong.
"We have to stick together. When other people use our anthem against us, I don't like that as well. We can show that nobody has to walk alone in these moments. There are things that we need to sort, but nothing to do with the football."
Neville responded to Klopp's comments in the Sky Sports studio.
"There was no point-scoring from me last night mentioning Liverpool. If I came across that way to Jurgen Klopp then I apologise because I think I am on his side on this particular one."
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