Jurgen Klopp says Everton will ‘get over it’ after Ibrahima Konate controversy in Merseyside derby

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.

Analysis

Klopp’s comments about understanding Everton’s frustrations and his admission that Liverpool were ‘probably’ lucky to get the penalty decision show that he is aware of the controversy surrounding the game. While he may not agree with the decision, he is willing to accept it and move on. This attitude is typical of Klopp, who has always been keen to focus on the positives of his team’s performance rather than dwelling on any negatives.

The result of the Merseyside derby was a major boost for Liverpool, who have been struggling for form in recent weeks. The win was their first in five games and moved them up to fourth in the Premier League table. It also extended their unbeaten run against Everton to 15 games, a record that dates back to October 2010.

The Reds will now be looking to build on this result when they face Toulouse in the Europa League on Thursday. With Klopp’s men still in contention for a top-four finish, they will be hoping to pick up another three points and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Conclusion

The Merseyside derby was a controversial affair, with Everton left frustrated by a number of decisions made by referee Craig Pawson. Despite this, Liverpool managed to come away with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and a controversial penalty decision.

Jurgen Klopp showed his understanding of Everton’s frustrations but also accepted the decision and urged his team to move on. The result was a major boost for Liverpool as they look to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. They will now be looking to build on this result when they face Toulouse in the Europa League on Thursday.