‘Mr Klopp, what did the Spartans do to you?’ – Czech media grill Liverpool manager after ‘unprecedented shame’
Jurgen Klopp had advised Liverpool against complacency ahead of their Europa League round-of-16 second-leg match against Sparta Prague. Despite leading 5-1 in the first leg, the Reds manager refused to take any chances.
That was apparent from his statements and the lineup he chose for the Anfield match. But after Darwin Nunez opened the floodgates, there was never any chance of an already improbable Sparta comeback, as five more goals ensured the title winners won 6-1 on the night and 11-2 overall.
Liverpool’s pursuit of the quadruple impressed the English media. But what did the Czechs think of the Reds and their well-beaten opponents?
BLESK wrote: “The horrible series will not stop. Sparta received three humiliating allegations during the previous week. At home with Liverpool, in Pilsen, and in the second leg of the Europa League round of 16 at the magnificent Anfield Road. Mohamed Salah and his supporters defeated the Czech champion 6:1, scoring four goals in eight minutes in the first half.
“First, Sparta encountered immense might and quality. Second, she repeatedly shot herself in the foot by doing the particular faults previously outlined. There was another factor. Liverpool did not easily win the replay, which is one of the matches they just must play. Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and other regulars were in the lineup. In the second half, skipper Virgil van Dijk joined the youngsters on the field.
“Coach Jurgen Klopp expressed a desire in achieving a positive performance. Evidence? In the second half, Jarell Quansah launched a counterattack after colliding with one of the Spartans and receiving a yellow card. He was disputing with the fourth referee while gesticulating toward the main one. Finally, he was reprimanded. However, it appeared to be a clear plan, as the coach, who will depart the legendary club at the end of the season, demonstrated his commitment to the team.
“He also did an excellent job of saying goodbye to the fans. He launched into the Kop’s most chaotic stand, jumping and pounding his arms. No, no encounter is routine for Klopp. He wishes to bid farewell to the sharpest brilliance. He has already won the Carabao Cup this season and competes in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League.
“In the end, Sparta falls into it. She provided a decent ride. Galatasaray’s elimination in the first spring round was very unexpected. On the contrary, Liverpool resulted in a crash and failure. Nonetheless, more than 2,500 fans applauded the team.
DNES wrote: “Although it has already ended. Spartan footballers will not enjoy their match against the legendary Liverpool. They were insufficient for a major adversary, even in the rematch, which they lost 1:6 at Anfield in front of 60,000 fans. The round of 16 of the Europa League concluded in a humiliating 2:11 defeat for them.
“The contrast was enormous in the score, the game, individual skills, speed, movement, and ball-handling technique. In everything. Furthermore, the ignorant and deeply defective Spartans could not have fared well. And it did not work out either.
“The Spartans faced an unprecedented shame. The score was 0-0 in the seventh minute and 4-0 for Liverpool in the fourteenth. Four goals went into Peter Vindahl’s net in less than seven minutes. This must be a record not just for the European League.
“Even before the contest, looking at Liverpool’s line-up, one would wonder: Mr. Klopp, what did the Spartans do to you that you put offensive support into the game even in a decided situation? The names conveyed respect, as did the roaring stands.
