Klopp fumes over ref, West Brom’s style and dry pitch

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp voiced his displeasure at West Brom’s pitch, style of football and the officiating after their 2-2 draw.

Danny Ings had given Klopp’s side the lead inside four minutes with an instinctive finish, and Salah’s dinked effort in the second half appeared to have tied up the three points.

However, the Baggies launched a spirited comeback, with Jake Livermore firing home from close range to halve the deficit before Solomon Rondon’s late header earned a share of the spoils.

“We controlled it pretty well, their only opportunity was with set pieces, the rest we defended really well,” a prickly Klopp told Sky Sports.

“The whole game was a plot on the goalkeeper,” he added in reference to West Brom blocking off Loris Karius on corners. “Everyone loves it in this country, but it makes life difficult for the goalie.”

Klopp then took aim at West Brom’s failure to prepare a surface in their visitors’ favour.

“It was a difficult game as the pitch got drier and drier. West Brom decided not to water the pitch at half-time and that makes it difficult.”

Klopp then scoffed at Sky Sports interviewer Patrick Davison after he asked what difference it made.

“Now you have proved that you have never played football, obviously… it makes a massive difference.

“If like West Brom when the ball is constantly in the air then you do not need a wet pitch. But that’s how it is. We have to deal with that and they can do it next year playing football on a dry pitch in the Championship.”

The German boss also commented on the penalty shout for Ings, as well as his goal.

“People laugh at Ings when he goes down, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t go down in that situation.

“We need the the right decisions, everything would be fine and we win 3-0 or 3-1. But everyone knows they want set-pieces in the last minute and the ref gives it to them with Joe Gomez. Everybody told me it was not a foul and that makes life not easier.”

Even Ings’ first goal for 930 days failed to lift Klopp’s mood.

“I am very happy for him, but he should have scored a second. I am not in the mood to talk about positive things, give me a night to sleep on it, then I’ll tell Danny how good it was.”

Klopp was then asked if he is happy with his team physically and mentally ahead of the meeting with Roma

“In the moment no, but on Tuesday yes,” he replied before walking away.