KEY POINTS

  • Atletico Madrid knocked out reigning champs, Liverpool from Champions League
  • Atletico became the first side to defeat Klopp's Liverpool in a two-legged tie
  • Liverpool are two wins away from clinching their first League title in 30 years

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Jurgen Klopp’s severe remarks after Liverpool FC’s UEFA Champions League elimination a few weeks ago.

The second leg of Round of 16 encounter between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid was played despite the coronavirus crisis and the Reds boss reportedly has termed it as a “criminal act.” Atletico went into the Anfield match with a 1-0 win at home and they stunned the hosts in extra-time, winning 4-2 on aggregate and that knocked out defending champions, Liverpool.

Ancelotti recently in an interview has disclosed that Klopp was not in the favor of playing especially when the circumstances were so severe due to the pandemic virus.

“I heard from Klopp the other day, he told me that going ahead with the game in those conditions was a criminal act, I think he was right. ‘We are all living a life that we are not used to and that will change us profoundly. I’m sure we will all have to downsize, starting with football."

"Today, the priority is health, limiting the contagion. When you start again, when you finish, the dates… believe me, I don’t care. At the moment, that’s the last thing on my mind. I hear talk about cutting salaries, suspension of payments. They seem like inopportune solutions,” Ancelotti said in an interview to Corriere Dello Sport.

“Soon the economy will change, and that’s at all levels: The TV rights will be less, players and coaches will earn less, tickets will cost less because people will have less money. I repeat, what matters now is to fight the virus effectively. Then of course, if it will be possible to continue the season… otherwise, amen,” he further added.

Jurgen Klopp's decision to make 11 changes to his Liverpool side backfired in a 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury
Jurgen Klopp's decision to make 11 changes to his Liverpool side backfired in a 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury AFP / Anthony Devlin

Meanwhile, Liverpool are just two wins away from clinching their first Premier League title in 30 years. However, Premier League along with other sporting leagues across the globe, are currently suspended due to the coronavirus. If the remaining 92 games in the remainder of the 2019-20 season are not played, the Premier League could lose at least $92m.