Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has denied that he was trying to put Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri under pressure with his recent comments.
In a recent interview the German tactician shared his surprise at the fact that given all the quality in the Bianconeri squad that they were not leading by 10 points in Serie A opposed to being 10 points worse off from this time last season.
The Turin based club are still sitting top of the Serie A table after 24 games played but find themselves far closer to other sides than they have otherwise been used to in the past few years with Lazio just a point behind and Inter just three points behind them.
“I didn’t want to put Maurizio under pressure. I don’t play these kinds of mind games,” he said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 first leg tie against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
“Sometimes I don’t think before I speak, that happens. I said I don’t know why Juve aren’t 10 points ahead in the League.”
Klopp, who has transformed Liverpool into one of the most formidable sides around at the moment, then went on to praise both Lazio and Inter for what they have achieved this season.
“I saw Lazio against Inter on Sunday and that’s the reason [Juventus are not 10 points ahead]. These two teams are the reason. Inter are there, firing again whilst Lazio are having a once in a century kind of season, it will be tight at the top.
“I didn’t want to put any pressure on Maurizio, I respect him absolutely too much and I was happy when I heard his response, saying I’m funny.”
