Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen admits he ‘chuckled’ at Jurgen Klopp’s viral post-match interview following Sunday’s FA Cup thriller.
The Liverpool boss stormed out of a post-match interview with Scandinavian TV following their dramatic quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford.
Liverpool were defeated 4-3 after extra time as Amad Diallo netted a 121st-minute winner to secure an impressive comeback victory for United, with Klopp’s side having led 2-1 and 3-2 at points of the match.
And, following the game – which ended Liverpool’s hopes of a quadruple in Klopp’s final season – the German took offence at a question from a reporter from Scandanavian outlet V Sport and walked off.
After being asked about his side’s intensity dropping in extra time, Klopp fumed: ‘That’s a bit of a dumb question.
‘If you see us often, you can ask us the other times why we have so much energy.
Frederikse has since denied suggestions Klopp was referencing his weight and played down the incident before Danish international Eriksen was asked about the clip.
‘I laughed a little at that,’ he told Tipsbladet.
‘I happened to meet Per Frimann, who is his colleague on the plane on the way home. I know that Rasmus Højlund sat the whole flight home with Niels Christian so I think they had some good conversations.
‘It’s journalism, and what they ask is not something you have anything to do with, but Klopp was obviously tired and annoyed after they had lost.’
‘I don’t know how many games we’ve had recently and how many Manchester United have had. That’s sport.
‘I’m really disappointed about that question, but you thought obviously it’s good.’
The reporter then added: ‘So too many games?’
This led to a furious Klopp responding: ‘Oh you don’t think that. Come on!
‘You are obviously not in a great shape and I have no nerves for you,’ as the German walked past the reporter and left the interview.
The Reds seemed to be cruising to victory at Old Trafford, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister looking like they would be enough before Antony’s equaliser late in normal time.
Harvey Elliott’s deflected effort put them ahead again in extra-time, before Marcus Rashford and then Amad Diallo secured the most dramatic of victories for United.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp bemoaned his side’s wastefulness when ahead in the game.
‘We didn’t finish the game off,’ he said. ‘When you leave the door open, away from home at Old Trafford, it’s clear they would get chances.
‘It was really hard for us. That was the first time I really saw my team… oof… really struggling.
‘When you’re winning, it’s a great position to watch a game. When you’re losing, it’s the worst feeling.’
When asked about potential fatigue in his squad ahead of the international break, Klopp added: ‘I hope the (international managers) want them in the best shape for the summer.
‘So I hope they won’t have to play two lots of 90 minutes. But it’s not in my hands.’
The Reds return to action on March 31 when they travel to Brighton, with Klopp’s side currently second in the Premier League behind Arsenal on goal difference.
