Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, sparked heated debate as he rebuked a journalist before storming out of a televised interview following Liverpool’s 3-4 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Danish commentator Niels Christian Frederiksen found himself embroiled in a fiery exchange with Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, during a post-match interview at Old Trafford.
Many criticized Jurgen Klopp for seemingly mocking Niels Christian Frederiksen’s weight. The journalist asserted that Jurgen Klopp was “shouting and shouting” before abruptly leaving the interview at Old Trafford. Frederiksen had questioned Liverpool’s exhaustion and lack of stamina to compete with Manchester United during extra time.
Working for Viaplay, Frederiksen queried Klopp: “Normally high intensity is something you always do in Liverpool matches, so why did it become difficult for Liverpool in extra time against Manchester United?”
German strategist Jurgen Klopp angrily retorted that it was a “slightly silly question,” before citing the number of matches his team had played as a contributing factor to Liverpool’s lack of energy against Manchester United and subsequent elimination from the FA Cup.
When Frederiksen began to ask about “Too many matches,” Klopp swiftly interrupted him. The German coach added, “Oh, you don’t think so? Well, you’re clearly not in good form. I don’t have the courage to talk to you.”
Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, then walked away from the camera, continuing, “What’s your problem? What do you want now?” At the end of the clip, as Klopp turned his back, Frederiksen responded, “Why are you provoking?”
Danish journalist Niels Christian Frederiksen has since shed light on the aftermath of the contentious interview with Jurgen Klopp. Notably, Frederiksen confirmed that Klopp continued to be angry with him as they walked along the corridor.
Speaking to Tipsbladet, Niels Christian Frederiksen said, “I was very surprised by that, and those around were frightened, almost pushed against the wall as if to say, ‘Oh, what just happened here?'”
The incident continued off-camera. Jurgen Klopp continued down the corridor, where he shouted and yelled in my face. I followed him because I thought something strange was going on. I was very surprised, while some people looked shocked and asked, ‘Are you okay?’ and of course, I was. I have interviewed Jurgen Klopp many times.”
Despite the clash with Jurgen Klopp, Niels Christian Frederiksen asserted that there would be “absolutely no problem” in the next interview with Klopp. Niels Christian Frederiksen stated that he understood Liverpool’s manager and believed Klopp harbored no ill feelings about the incident.
Niels Christian Frederiksen also defended Jurgen Klopp after some accused Liverpool’s manager of referencing the weight of the Danish journalist with comments about “Frederiksen not being in good form.”
Niels Christian Frederiksen added, “No, no, no, that’s absolutely not Jurgen Klopp’s intention. Firstly, I’m not overweight, and if I were, he would never say that. Jurgen Klopp is not like that. He’s not mean at all. His point is that I couldn’t and shouldn’t have asked the question. There’s nothing more to it.”