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Jurgen Klopp's Pre-Match Notes Explain Why He Was So Angry With Roy Keane

Jurgen Klopp's Pre-Match Notes Explain Why He Was So Angry With Roy Keane

Keane claimed Liverpool were "sloppy" in their 3-1 win over Arsenal and Klopp was incredibly defensive.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Jurgen Klopp hit back at Roy Keane's claims that Liverpool were "sloppy" against Arsenal as he was worried about getting a result.

Liverpool emerged as 3-1 winners on Monday night but Klopp took exception to Keane's criticism on Sky Sports.

He questioned Keane's assessment after hearing it prior to a post-match interview and the exchange was incredibly awkward.

The reason why may lie in the German coach's pre-match notes, in which he heavily praised opposing manager Mikel Arteta.

"What a superb job Mikel is doing already at Arsenal," Klopp begun per The Mirror.

"The team already has a clear identity and purpose under his leadership. They have also become winners in a short space of time under Mikel, with the FA Cup and Community Shield. Congratulations on both of these - great achievements.

"Arsenal have an exceptional group of players. From back to front, world-class talent. Obviously without supporters in the stadiums you have to feel this positivity via what you hear and see through the media, but it is obvious their club has a bounce about it.

"I think this is great for the Premier League if I'm being honest. From a selfish point of view, not great for us because it is another outstandingly strong team in a competition full of them.

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PA

"But Arsenal is a fantastic football club and therefore as a 'football fan' I love to see them in this sort of mood. Hopefully not today, though!"

Arsenal had beaten Liverpool in their two previous meetings, a 2-1 victory in July as well as a penalty shootout win in the Community Shield last month.

Despite the fiery encounter, Klopp revealed there are no hard feelings between himself and former Manchester United captain Keane.

"I was not harsh!" he told Goal. "I came to the microphone and I did not see [the comments] I only heard them through a speaker and I heard 'sloppy something.'

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PA

"In that moment I misunderstood obviously so no problem. I just asked did he say? And he didn't say so it is all fine."

Arsenal took the lead in the first half through Alexandre Lacazette after an Andy Robertson mistake.

But their lead only lasted three minutes as Sadio Mane equalised from close range.

Robertson made up for his earlier mistake by putting The Reds ahead after meeting a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.

New signing Diogo Jota scored on his Anfield debut late in the second half to seal all three points.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Arsenal, Roy Keane