‘He is where he is today because of African footballers’ – Garth Crooks slams disrespectful Klopp

Former English international Garth Crooks believes Jurgen Klopp has been able to settle at Liverpool because of African players and has therefore slammed him for his disrespectful comment against the Africa Cup of Nations.

The German trainer got on the wrong side of many Africans after he described the Africa Cup of Nations as little tournament in his post-match against Arsenal weeks ago.

Liverpool will lose attacking duo of Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane for the AFCON tournament next year which does not go well with Klopp.

Reacting to Klopp’s comment, Garth Crooks slammed the former Dortmund gaffer, saying he is where he is at the moment because of African footballers.

“It wasn’t until I heard Jurgen Klopp’s explanation in his pre-match interview prior to the AC Milan fixture, when challenged by a journalist, that I understood the comments were shrouded in irony.

“Klopp was being sarcastic and suggesting the tournament was quite the opposite. Far from being a little tournament, the Liverpool manager was insisting the tournament was far more demanding than people realised.

“I respect Liverpool but not Klopp who undermines African football events. He is where he is today because of African footballers.

“The problem with sarcasm is that it doesn’t always travel well and what might appear funny in a dressing room doesn’t always translate well or is very clear in other parts of the world.”

“It will also teach Klopp not to be reckless in future with language from the dressing room. I might not be his biggest fan, but I’ve seen enough of his teams to know that he not only respects African football but also their footballers. Otherwise, why would he buy them?”