Klopp Reignites Feud with Ramos
Salah’s exit from the game that evening significantly affected Liverpool’s performance, and Real Madrid went on to secure a 3-1 victory.
Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos [in white] attacking Liverpool star Mohamed Salah [in red]. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.
By Robert Mutasi
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has once again expressed his disdain for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, citing the infamous incident involving Mohamed Salah during the 2018 Champions League final as a point of contention.
The incident, which saw Salah suffer a shoulder injury after a controversial tackle by Ramos, has long been a sore spot for both Liverpool fans and Klopp himself.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Klopp didn’t hold back his criticism. “Sergio Ramos is not my favourite player,” he stated, making his feelings about the Spanish defender clear. The German coach was particularly disturbed by what he deemed the unnecessary aggression in Ramos’s play, referring to the clash with Salah as “brutal.”
Salah’s exit from the game that evening significantly affected Liverpool’s performance, and Real Madrid went on to secure a 3-1 victory, lifting the prestigious trophy.
Klopp expanded on his viewpoint, suggesting that Ramos was well aware of the potential consequences of his actions.
“Of course, he can’t know it’s going to hurt his shoulder,” Klopp acknowledged, “but we all know he accepted it very happily.”
This comment hints at a deeper issue Klopp perceives in Ramos’s approach to the game. To Klopp, Ramos’s aggressive playstyle and apparent willingness to capitalize on his opponents’ misfortunes are traits he finds difficult to condone.
The Liverpool manager also drew a line between Ramos’s attitude and his own philosophy. “I could never understand that mentality,” Klopp continued. “I never had players like that, and, when I did, I made sure they left.”
His comments underline his firm stance on fair play, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a squad that aligns with his values.
For Klopp, competitive intensity should never cross the line into deliberately putting opponents at risk.
The 2018 incident has since become one of the most talked-about moments in modern Champions League history, and it remains a divisive topic.
Many Liverpool fans have voiced their support for Klopp’s recent remarks, appreciating his steadfast belief in integrity on the field. Meanwhile, Ramos’s defenders argue that such incidents are inevitable in high stakes matches and should not be viewed as malicious.
Klopp’s latest comments may stir up old debates about the intensity of physical contact in football, especially in high-stakes games.
However, his clear stance reflects a deep-seated philosophy about respect in the sport—a philosophy he believes should never be compromised, regardless of the competition.
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