Jurgen Klopp says Everton will ‘get over it’ with time after Ibrahima Konate controversy
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he ‘understands’ Everton’s frustrations after Ibrahima Konate controversially avoided a red card in the Merseyside derby. The Reds recorded a 2-0 win over their rivals with Mohamed Salah registering both goals after Ashley Young was sent off in the first half for the Toffees.
But Everton were left furious when Konate – who had already been shown a yellow card – fouled Beto in the second half as referee Craig Pawson decided not to send him off, with Toffees manager Sean Dyche booked for his complaints.
Klopp was quizzed about the incident after the match and told TNT Sports that Everton will ‘get over it’ in time. Asked if he understood Everton’s frustrations over Konate avoiding a red card, Klopp said: ‘Of course I understand it. When we were on the other side [of a bad decision], we had to accept it. It’s really hard to do that in the first moments but with time you get over it, I can tell you.’
Salah’s first goal on Saturday came from the penalty spot and Klopp has admitted that his side were ‘probably’ lucky for the decision go their way. ‘The penalty, I’m not sure if anyone wants to discuss it,’ Klopp added. ‘Is it a penalty? Yes. Are we lucky? Probably. I haven’t seen it back yet, but we are probably lucky.’
Liverpool are back in action on Thursday when they face Toulouse in the Europa League.
Klopp’s Reaction to Controversy
Klopp’s reaction to the controversy surrounding Konate’s lack of red card was one of understanding and acceptance. He acknowledged that when his team had been on the receiving end of bad decisions, they had to accept them and move on. He also acknowledged that it was difficult to do so in the heat of the moment, but that with time, they would get over it.
Salah’s Penalty
Klopp also admitted that his side were ‘probably’ lucky to get the penalty decision in their favour which led to Salah’s first goal. He said that while it was a penalty, they were probably lucky to get it and that he hadn’t yet seen it back.
Liverpool’s Next Match
Liverpool are back in action on Thursday when they face Toulouse in the Europa League. This will be their first match since the Merseyside derby and will be a chance for them to continue their good form and build on the win against Everton.
The controversy surrounding Konate’s lack of red card has been a talking point since the match, but Klopp’s response has been one of understanding and acceptance. He acknowledged that while it was difficult to accept such decisions in the heat of the moment, with time, they would get over it. He also admitted that his side were ‘probably’ lucky to get the penalty decision in their favour which led to Salah’s first goal. Liverpool are back in action on Thursday when they face Toulouse in the Europa League and will be looking to continue their good form and build on their win against Everton.