Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has made his feelings about Sergio Ramos known, six years after he injured Mohamed Salah in the Champions League final.
The Reds enjoyed so many great times during Klopp’s almost-nine-year stint as manager, winning the Champions League, Premier League and numerous other trophies along the way.
One of the lowest points of the German’s tenure came against Real Madrid in 2018, however, as his Liverpool side were beaten 3-1 in Europe’s biggest game in Kyiv, not helped by two dreadful errors by Loris Karius.
The match was also significant for a shoulder injury suffered by Salah after a robust challenge from Ramos, leading to the Reds superstar having to leave the pitch in tears during the first half.
Speaking on Toni Kroos’ Einfach mal Lupen podcast [via The Daily Mail], Klopp didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Spaniard, saying:
“Is Mr Sergio Ramos really a good guy? He’s not my favourite player. The action was brutal. Of course, he can’t know that it’s bothering his shoulder, but we all know that he accepted it very happily.
“I could never understand that mentality, I never had players like that and, when I did, I made sure they left.”
Our thoughts on Klopp’s criticism of Ramos…
The fact that the 2018 Champions League is now over six years ago and Klopp still feels angry about Ramos’ challenge on Salah speaks volumes about his thoughts on the former Madrid man.
Some may accuse the 57-year-old of sour grapes because his Liverpool team lost on the night, but he was always a manager who wanted his team to be respectful of opponents and play fair.
There is a strong argument to say that Ramos knew exactly what he was doing with Salah, in terms of locking arms with him as the latter fell to the ground, ensuring that he landed awkwardly on his shoulder. He was known as a cynical player throughout his career.
Klopp says what he means about not wanting such characters in his side, though, as much as rival supporters will likely pick holes in his comments, and it is hard to imagine him putting up with Ramos’ antics.