Frank Lampard hits back at Jurgen Klopp after Everton criticism
Everton boss Frank Lampard has hit back at Jurgen Klopp after his criticism of the Blues ahead of Sunday’s [April 24] Merseyside derby.
The Liverpool manager slammed the Toffees’ “over the top” aggressive approach in previous meetings between the two sides.
However, the former Chelsea boss insists that he expects his players to be competitive whilst attempting to sway the referee into his corner.
Lampard told Liverpool Echo: “We expect players to be physical and on the right side of the law, and I’d expect the same from Liverpool.
“I’d hope the referee kind of sees that, I mean in terms of us going to Anfield, making sure that the referee understands because I think at Goodison we’ve had yellow cards become red cards and maybe at Anfield it doesn’t always work that way.
“In the last game at Anfield, we saw a red card situation become a yellow card. So we’ll try and stay on the right side of the law as we always do. It’s just that clear message.
“We expect the players to be mature and committed, but the players have to understand that we have to stay on this side of the line for the benefit of the team. It’s difficult enough for us and if we have 10 men then it is nigh-on impossible.”
By all means.
Lampard is absolutely desperate to get a good result in his first Merseyside derby.
He saw how damaging a heavy defeat can be after the mood completely switched for Rafa Benitez after the 4-1 Goodison Park drubbing earlier in the season.
But he was a former Red and was never truly accepted by the fans.
You have to give the boss credit for his comments regarding the referee. For far too long has the Anfield impact seen the Liverpool have decisions tossed their way and the former Derby boss made sure he addressed that ahead of the game.
We have seen Lampard ruffle Klopp’s feathers during his visits to Anfield as Chelsea manager and hopefully, he can do it again tomorrow with the Toffees.
A positive result for the Blues would be hugely positive at both ends of the table but there is a very, very tough team to face that stands in the way of that.
In other Everton news, a talkSPORT duo have emptied both barrels on the Blues ahead of the Merseyside derby.
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