‘I respect Liverpool but not Klopp who undermines African football events. He is where he is today because of African footballers.’
The manager of the Senegal national team has called out Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for his comments on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Klopp was involved in a heated debate after he described the competition as a ‘little tournament’ but later clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted, clashing with a journalist and claiming that he used the phrase figuratively.
Jurgen Klopp didn't take kindly to a journalist accusing him of calling the AFCON a "small" tournament.. 😳
📹 @ESPNFCpic.twitter.com/DbO3gtKBRl
— 🎯 Tommy's Darts Tips (@TommysDartsTips) November 25, 2021
But the Senegal boss, Aliou Cisse, was not impressed with his comments and highlighted that the German will be losing key players from his Liverpool side.
Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita are all set to feature for their respective nations at the tournament which takes place in Cameroon between 9 January and 6 February and Cisse questioned the attitude Klopp has towards the competition.
“Who does Klopp think he is?” he said, as per the Daily Express.
“I manage Senegal and my players play for Klopp at Liverpool.
“I respect Liverpool but not Klopp who undermines African football events.”
The former Portsmouth midfielder then added that without several of his African stars, Klopp would not have the accolades he has won during his time at Anfield.
“He is where he is today because of African footballers,” Cisse continued.
“He was losing every final until Salah, Mane, Matip came to his rescue to win his first-ever major European final.
“Today, he has the guts to call AFCON a ‘small tournament’. AFCON has the same number of participants, 24, as the UEFA Euro. So who does he think he is?
“AFCON will have the same superstars that are currently helping him to shine at Liverpool. AFCON is the same quality as the Euros.”
Players from the Premier League are set to link up with their nations for the competition after the Boxing Day fixtures in preparation for their group stage fixtures.
Related links:
- Jurgen Klopp responds to journalist’s criticism after calling AFCON a ‘little tournament’
- Liverpool to hold AFCON talks in attempt to reduce player absences
- Jose Mourinho hits out at journalist after refusing to take any questions following Roma defeat
