Jurgen Klopp and Ryan Mason contested an epic at Anfield last weekend (Picture: Getty Images)
Ryan Mason has hit back at Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool manager criticised Tottenham for their style of play and performance in defeat at Anfield last weekend.
The Reds narrowly beat Spurs 4-3 in an amazing game at Anfield as the home side went 3-0 up in 15 minutes but were pegged back in stoppage time, only for Diogo Jota to score a last minute winner.
Interim Tottenham manager Mason was fuming after the match as Jota had caught Oliver Skipp with a really high boot in the face earlier in the game and there was a very good argument for it to be a red card for the Liverpool forward.
‘Probably one of the clearest red cards I’ve seen on Oliver Skipp. I have to be careful what I say but ultimately that’s an impossible one to miss,’ Mason told Sky Sports.
Klopp was unsympathetic, telling Mason to concern himself more with how his team plays than refereeing decisions.
‘Ryan has to worry about other stuff,’ said Klopp. ‘They’re such a good football team, Tottenham, they have to play better football. They can’t just counter-attack, they have to play better football with that team.
‘Diogo Jota has the foot high but he’s not going for the head. I heard Oliver Skipp could’ve had a red card. Did he speak about that as well? Wanting Diogo Jota off the pitch, worry about other stuff.’
Spurs return to Premier League action on Saturday as they welcome Crystal Palace to north London and Mason still has last weekend on his mind.
He says he is trying not to prolong a feud with the German, but says he would never speak how Klopp spoke last week when talking about Spurs.
‘First of all I respect and admire Jurgen Klopp. I also respect Liverpool Football Club,’ said Mason. ‘But honestly in my current situation now and regardless of what happens in my coaching career, I don’t believe I will ever be in a position where I can sit here and criticise another football club in the way they are doing things.
‘Look, I will not create a war of words. That is my opinion on it. I don’t think it will change in 20 years time.
‘I don’t think I will ever be in that position or earn the right to criticise another football club for how they want to try and win the game and how they feel is the best chance for them to win the game in that moment in time.’
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‘That is my opinion on it. I don’t think it will change.’