Lampard admits he has ‘respect’ for Klopp despite jibes
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard insists he has “huge respect” for Jurgen Klopp despite his stormy relationship with the Liverpool boss.
Lampard launched an expletive-laced touchline tirade at Klopp and his assistant Pep Lijnders as tempers rose during Chelsea’s 5-3 loss at Liverpool last season.
He followed that blast by warning Klopp not to get “too arrogant” and the feud has continued into the new campaign, with Liverpool’s Premier League visit to Chelsea on Sunday serving as another potential flashpoint in the growing rivalry.
We'll be without four players due to injury on Sunday… 🤕#CHELIV
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 19, 2020
Klopp took a swipe at Lampard’s £200 million ($259 million) close-season spending spree — which included Chelsea beating Liverpool to the signature of Germany forward Timo Werner.
He said his club could not act in the same way as those owned by oligarchs, in a reference to Blues supremo Roman Abramovich.
Lampard responded by saying it was “slightly amusing” to see Klopp complain about Chelsea’s transfer investments when Liverpool had spent heavily in the past.
But Klopp was diplomatic about their relationship this week, insisting he admired Lampard as a player and was impressed with his managerial work.
Lampard was also keen to draw a line under the row when he spoke to the media ahead of Chelsea’s clash with the Premier League champions, saying he had huge respect for his rival.
“What he has done in his time at Liverpool has been incredible and that is on him as the focal point of the club and the individual talent they have brought in,” the Chelsea boss said on Friday.
“The nature of the world we live in is there’s a lot of airtime for you to fill with rivalries. They can be scrutinised in every way.
The Blues 💙 pic.twitter.com/NiX7zooMpb
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 19, 2020
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“There is nothing in it for me. The competitive nature of the 90 minutes can always slightly boil over in different directions. The respect I have for Jurgen Klopp will never change.”
Chelsea lost narrowly three times to Liverpool last season, but they did knock Klopp’s men out of the FA Cup.