Klopp RAGES after Kompany escapes red for Salah lunge as Man City cut gap to Liverpool - 7M sport

Klopp RAGES after Kompany escapes red for Salah lunge as Man City cut gap to Liverpool

JURGEN KLOPP was left fuming at how Vincent Kompany escaped a red card for a dangerous lunge on Mohamed Salah in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.


Posted Friday, January 04, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

City’s experienced centre-half received a yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor on 31 minutes.

But the Belgian could have easily been dismissed as he left Salah sprawled out on the deck.

City went on to take the lead in their crunch title showdown less than 10 minutes later through Sergio Aguero.

Roberto Firmino then equalised on 64 minutes at the Etihad, giving the Reds hope of keeping their unbeaten record intact.

But Leroy Sane nicked it for Pep Guardiola’s team and ensured City cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to four points.

After the match, Klopp raged: ”I really like Vincent Kompany but how on Earth is that not a red card? He is last man and he goes in. If he hits Mo [Salah] more he is out for the season. It is not easy for the ref and he may not see it how I see it.

"It was a big pressure. Very intense game. We were unlucky in our finishing moments. Unluckier than City I would say. Sane scores and the situation with Sadio when he hit the post.

“They had periods where they dominated the game and everybody felt the intensity. But we came back and had big chances. It is always like this. You have to score in those moments. When Aguero scores there is no angle. In similar situations we didn't score.

Klopp RAGES after Kompany escapes red for Salah lunge as Man City cut gap to Liverpool
Man City 2 Liverpool 1: Jurgen Klopp was not happy with how Vincent Kompany escaped a red card (Pic: GETTY)

Klopp RAGES after Kompany escapes red for Salah lunge as Man City cut gap to Liverpool
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was on the receiving end of a bad tackle (Pic: GETTY)

"It was not our or City's best game because we both made it difficult for the other team.

"I have already said to the boys this is OK. We lost it but it will happen. Tonight it is not nice but it is not the biggest problem.

"Our expectations are high. We can play better. On the other side it was an intense game. You have to take the game how it is. You can't always dominate it. With a bit more luck we could have got 2-2, which would be perfect for us."

Klopp RAGES after Kompany escapes red for Salah lunge as Man City cut gap to Liverpool
Pep Guardiola got one over on Jurgen Klopp as Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1 (Pic: GETTY)

Guardiola, meanwhile, said: "The game was a real game for both sides, we beat an incredible team. We were outstanding from the first minute. We are happy for this victory to reduce the gap. Everything is open.

"We don't have a left-back. Huge compliments to Aymeric Laporte against these strikers. Everyone was outstanding.

"We need Sergio Aguero in these games, his quality makes the difference. To win these games, he has done it all his career and his finish was incredible.

"Liverpool don't concede goals, and we scored two. We played with courage, so aggressive in our pressing. They are incredibly fast in behind, so dangerous.

"If we lose today it is almost done, it would be so difficult. But we are four points behind them and they are the leaders. We have to fight a lot, but this gives us a lot of confidence."

Klopp RAGES after Kompany escapes red for Salah lunge as Man City cut gap to Liverpool
Leroy Sane scored Manchester City's second to leave Liverpool heartbroken (Pic: GETTY)

The City boss continued: "I am proud of them, but not just today. We lost two games in four days but you can't forget what they have done for 16 months. We knew that it was a final today, if we lose it is almost over.

"All credit to these incredible players. That is how we have to play in the Champions League. Both teams tried to search for each other, we were not scared, we had no fear and we had a lot of pressure.

"They are leaders, it is four points but we have reduced the gap. We knew that if we won we would be in contention to fight for the Premier league, if we lose it is over.

"I don't remember a league so tough, there are so many huge contenders fighting for the title. It is closer, every game is a final."

After the break from Premier League football for the FA Cup third round and Carabao Cup semi-final first legs, Liverpool travel to Brighton on January 12 while City host Wolves two days later on the Monday night.

Tottenham cannot be ignored in the race, though, as they are just six points back to Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs host Manchester United on January 13.



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