Ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash at Anfield later today, Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp has come out in support of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr, who has been the constant recipient of racist abuse from many rival fans over the last few months.
The 22-year-old former Flamengo forward has been subjected to racial slurs and chants from fans of several clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Real Valladolid, and most recently, Real Mallorca. As a result, the Spanish League body, La Liga, has decided to take severe measures against the guilty offenders, “with the aim of taking the appropriate legal measures”.
Klopp explained that there was no justification for the treatment the Brazilian had repeatedly received in Spain, calling it “highly insane” to even try to do that.
Vinicius has been accused of provocation by rival players and fans, as many deem his trickery on the ball and dancing celebrations too unnecessary, but Klopp reiterated that is not enough reason to treat him in such a despicable way.
The former Borussia Dortmund manager said: “That he is doing something on the pitch that could cause it? There is nothing in the world that could justify that. Imagine if I say yes, that would be completely insane.”
As the Reds prepare to welcome the 14-time European champions to Merseyside in a rematch of last season’s Champions League final, where Los Blancos edged their opponent 1-0 with Vinicius scoring the winner, Klopp said: “I am pretty sure that makes him already a Real Madrid legend.”
Liverpool or Madrid? 🤷♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/D25Dm1b0Qb
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 21, 2023
Also, Liverpool may be without Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez after he picked up a shoulder injury in their 2-0 win over Newcastle at the weekend, a game he scored in but was substituted for Roberto Firmino just before the hour mark.
On the chances of the former Benfica forward facing Madrid, Klopp said: “There is a chance, from all the possible scenarios, apart from being absolutely nothing. We have to see how he can deal with the pain and after that make a decision.”
The 55-year-old also added that his side will need to be exceptionally great if they are to defeat the defending champions over the two legs.
“We need to… we need to play a super game. We need to play two super games, to be honest, to get through,” he said.
“But I have no problem with that because, if you do not play your best, you do not have a chance. Real Madrid does not have to play their best and still has a chance. And that is the difference. And that is pretty special. But I cannot wait [for the contest].”
Although Madrid will be without the midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni, Klopp further spoke on the strength of Madrid’s attack and the threat they can pose.
“If you can defend Vinicius properly, then there is [Karim] Benzema. If you can defend him as well, probably, then there is [Federico] Valverde or Rodrygo or whoever.”
“If you can defend all three, then Kroos fires the ball from 25 yards in the far corner. Luka Modric has an idea and goes through. Tchouameni picks up a ball and fires it from 25 yards or arrives in the box and heads it in,” he said.
He also talked about his admiration for legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti as they are set to go against each other once again.
“Somebody told me – I do not know even if it is true or not – but that Carlo [Ancelotti] said after the final with Liverpool ‘it was cool that they knew exactly what they would face’ – after the final (or) before the final, I do not know exactly.”
“I watched the game back now. If we had known exactly what we will do, we have to win this game. We did not, for the one reason that we did not score and conceded. But, apart from that, we should have won this game. But Carlo is the most relaxed manager I have ever met in my life. One of the best people you can meet. A fantastic person, a humble person, super smart and nice. His man-management is on a completely different level to anyone and I admire him a lot,” The German tactician concluded.
Liverpool and Real Madrid are no strangers to each other in the Champions League, having previously played nine times, with the Spanish club edging it with five wins and a draw, including four wins in their last five games.
