‘Anfield will look like a training ground’ – Madrid hit back after Klopp criticism

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 17 May 2021 16:19 BST
• 3 min read

Prior to Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid in midweek, Jurgen Klopp admitted it is not a target of his to one day coach the Bernabeu side.

In the aftermath of a 3-1 defeat, Klopp then only served to anger the host team when he compared the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, where they are playing while the Bernabeu is renovated, to a “training ground”.

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Former Real Madrid sporting director and head coach Jorge Valdano responded angrily to the words of the Liverpool manager.

“What you have to take into consideration is that Real Madrid are not playing at Valdebebas to gain a competitive advantage,” he told Onda Cero.

“The Bernabeu, even when it is empty, is an imposing stadium that somehow influence opponents.

“Therefore, it is Madrid who lose with this change of scenery.

“And what Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman said it true: Madrid have taken the opportunity to build a 21st century stadium. And when the work is done, Anfield will be the one that looks like a training ground. You have to adapt with the times.”

Madrid took the decision to bring forward work on the Bernabeu because of the Covid-19 pandemic as it would minimise the impact on supporters and allow them to maximise revenues when fans can return.

What did Klopp say?

Speaking after the Champions League defeat, Klopp said: “It’s a little strange. It’s a training ground but Real Madrid have played here all season.

“At least in the return leg, we’ll play in a real stadium.”

Liverpool will host Real Madrid on Wednesday, with the Reds needing a remarkable turnaround to stay alive in the Champions League, which they won in 2019.