Jurgen Klopp doesn’t deserve hatred after UCL final defeat

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp doesn’t deserve the hate for losing to Real Madrid in the UCL final. Here’s why he remains one of the best coaches in the world. 

There is nothing to be ashamed of for any coach or player who loses the Champions League final. That’s especially true if you lose to Real Madrid.

Then why is Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp getting so much hate?

It’s only normal for fans to go after a manager following any defeat. It doesn’t mean it’s deserved.

“Of course, everyone in the dressing room doesn’t feel like it’s a great season and maybe they need a few minutes or a few hours,” Klopp told reporters after the game.

This is a coach who only a few weeks ago was on the cusp of helping guide Liverpool to a quadruple after capturing the League Cup and FA Cup.

But the past week has been brutal. The master tactician saw his side lose the Premier League title to Manchester City last Sunday and the UCL final to Real Madrid just six days later.

You thought you had a tough week.

Nevertheless, Klopp has revolutionized the Reds during his time at Liverpool. His attack-minded 4-3-3 is among one of the best tactical setups in the world. He oversees a wonderful roster and, more often than not, knows how to engineer a win.

It’s true that Liverpool fans are crying in their beers after Saturday’s defeat to Real Madrid. But it’s also true that Klopp has done a lot for Liverpool. He led the team to three finals and second place in the EPL with 92 points.

For that, fans should be grateful.

“These boys played an outstanding season. The two competitions we couldn’t win, we didn’t for the smallest possible margin: one point, 1-0. City during the [Premier League] season, they were one point better and tonight Madrid was one goal better,” Klopp said. “That says nothing about us. The difference between 2018 and now is that I see us coming again. In 2018, I wished it but I couldn’t know. But these boys are really competitive, they have an incredible attitude.”

Klopp, ever the optimist, also told reporters after the game in Paris that Liverpool will contend for the UCL next year.

“I have a feeling we will come again. We will have an outstanding group next season and we will go again,” he said. “Where is it next year? Istanbul? Book the hotel.”