Klopp insists Newcastle comeback was harder than overturning Barcelona deficit

27 August 2023 , 20:12

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Jurgen Klopp was delighted following Liverpool's dramatic win at Newcastle (Image: Sky Sports)

Jurgen Klopp hailed 10-man Liverpool ’s last gasp victory over Newcastle as the most remarkable comeback of his career.

Liverpool supersub Darwin Nunez struck twice as they fought back from a goal down and having Virgil van Dijk sent off after just 28 minutes.

Klopp even put the manner of the victory ahead of their sensational 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League at Anfield in 2019 when they overturned a 3-0 first leg deficit.

Liverpool boss Klopp said: “It was much more difficult than the Barcelona game because that was at home, we played a sensational first game and lost 3-0, today is completely different.

“In my more than 1000 games as a coach, I never had a game like this, that is the truth, with 10 men in an atmosphere like this against an opponent like this. I am pretty sure it never happened.

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“These moments are rare and super special. I thought the boys deserved it. With 10 men we played better. It was obviously wild.”

Klopp was unhappy with Van Dijk’s sending off for a challenge on Newcastle ’s Alexander Isak which was deemed the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity. The Liverpool captain could also face further punishment from the FA as TV replays clearly showed him saying “You’re a ****ing joke” at referee John Brooks which, under new rules, will likely land him in more hot water.

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Klopp was jubilant at the final whistle after Liverpool's astounding late comeback (AFP via Getty Images)

Klopp said: “I don’t think it is a red card, pretty much no contact but what can I say, the decision is made and I cannot change it. Would I whistle it in a training game? Definitely not but there is a reason I am not a ref.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insisted that Trent Alexander-Arnold should have been sent off as referee Brooks did not give a second yellow card in what looked an obvious booking for a block on goalscorer Anthony Gordon after just six minutes.

Howe said: “At that moment I thought it was a clear second yellow card but the referee didn’t agree.

“That is as painful as the game at Anfield last year. I thought we played really well, the opening stages can’t be forgotten by me. I thought we were excellent, individual performances were very strong and the sending off almost harmed us.”

John Cross