Jurgen Klopp has said he felt for Manchester City after the VAR call which knocked them out of the Champions League and ended their hopes of a historic Quadruple in agonising fashion.
The Liverpool manager sympathised with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who said it was a “cruel” way to lose after his side thought they had scored a late winner against Tottenham, only for Raheem Sterling’s strike to be disallowed for an offside in the build-up.
Klopp praised Tottenham for their achievement in reaching the semifinals, but said he was not sure the decision would influence Manchester City or his own team’s pursuit for the Premier League title.
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“I’ve no idea, but it was unbelievable, eh? Seeing that I just really felt for them,” Klopp said. “That’s how it is. Everybody thought the ball was in and the whole stadium is celebrating.
“I know some people say without VAR it’s a clear goal but it was offside in that moment, nobody really doubts that, but it’s tough to take I’m 100 percent sure.
“Big compliments to Tottenham. To score three at City, of course they deserve it. Whether it has an influence on the league I have no idea. We will see that.”
Liverpool start the weekend one point clear at the top as they travel to Cardiff on Sunday aiming to heap further pressure on City in the title race.
Guardiola’s side have control of their own destiny with a game in hand on their title rivals, but face a crucial and challenging week, with matches against Tottenham on Saturday just days after their ferocious Champions League battle and then a Manchester derby next Wednesday which could decide their finish.