In a candid recent interview, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp revisited one of the most contentious moments of his coaching career: the 2018 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. This match, in which Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, was marred by a moment many Liverpool fans still remember all too well—Sergio Ramos’ tackle on Liverpool’s star forward Mohamed Salah. This challenge, which led to Salah’s first-half exit with a shoulder injury, is something Klopp has never fully forgotten. His reflections in the interview offered new insight into his views on player conduct and the importance of sportsmanship on the field.
Klopp joined Toni Kroos and his brother Felix on their “Einfach mal Lupen” podcast, where the topic of Sergio Ramos’ infamous tackle naturally surfaced. “Is Mr. Sergio Ramos really a good guy?” Klopp asked, rhetorically, adding, “He’s not my favorite player.” He went on to describe Ramos’ playing style as “ruthless,” citing the 2018 incident as a defining example of actions that, for him, cross a line in competitive sports. Klopp’s commentary shed light on his long-standing coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of respect, integrity, and teamwork above all else.
The 2018 Champions League Final: Ramos’ Tackle on Salah
In the final’s 31st minute, Ramos tackled Salah, resulting in an injury that forced Liverpool’s top scorer to leave the field prematurely. The absence of Salah—who had been instrumental in Liverpool’s successful campaign leading up to the final—was a severe blow for Klopp’s squad. Ramos’ action, which saw the Real Madrid defender grapple with Salah, has been heavily scrutinized since the incident, with many suggesting that it was a deliberate attempt to neutralize Liverpool’s attacking threat.
The best 1 Minute anatomic breakdown video of Sergio Ramos tackle against Mohammad Salah in 2018 Champions League final in Kiev #ChampionLeague
pic.twitter.com/lyHy9yrIHw— PACK (@allowspace) April 30, 2024
Reflecting on the incident, Klopp remarked, “If you watch it again and you’re not a Real Madrid fan, you think he’s ruthless and brutal.” He elaborated by saying that Ramos’ challenge demonstrated a mentality Klopp himself finds hard to condone. “I don’t think Mo would have always gotten hurt in that situation. He was unlucky this time.” Klopp admitted that while Ramos may not have intended to injure Salah specifically, his actions were overly aggressive and unnecessary in the context of the game.
Klopp’s Take on Sportsmanship and Aggression
Klopp’s remarks highlight his core coaching philosophy, one that prizes sportsmanship and fair play. As a manager, Klopp has cultivated teams that embody resilience and tenacity, but his players are known for operating within the game’s ethical boundaries. Klopp’s reaction to the Ramos incident provides a lens through which we can understand his approach to coaching and his emphasis on integrity.
In the podcast, Klopp shared that he has always discouraged such aggressive behavior in his own players, pointing out that actions like Ramos’ have no place in his teams. “I always thought my center-backs were good enough not to be involved in actions like that,” he stated. Klopp’s emphasis on trust, discipline, and mutual respect stands in contrast to the ruthlessness he attributed to Ramos’ style.
While Toni Kroos, who played alongside Ramos at Real Madrid, defended his former teammate’s character, Klopp remained resolute, emphasizing his disapproval of the mindset that could condone such behavior. “Of course, he can’t know that it’s bothering [Salah’s] shoulder,” Klopp acknowledged, “but we all know that he accepted it very happily.” For Klopp, the difference lies in the mentality—he has always sought players who embody tenacity without resorting to unnecessary aggression or risk-taking that could harm others on the field.
Would Klopp Have Taken Ramos on His Team?
During the discussion, Kroos posed an intriguing question to Klopp: would he ever want a player like Ramos in his squad? Without hesitation, Klopp responded that he would likely struggle with such a decision. “I find it hard to believe,” Klopp stated. “He may not be my favorite player, but it doesn’t matter. I always thought that my center-backs were good enough not to be involved in actions like that.” Klopp’s answer reflects his belief that his teams’ defenses have historically been strong and capable, able to play tough but fair.
For Klopp, Ramos represents a different kind of footballer, one who may be effective but doesn’t align with his values. Klopp’s defense-first mentality centers on discipline, teamwork, and respect—qualities that, for him, Ramos’ playing style does not encapsulate. He believes in building defenses that are both physically and mentally resilient, yet prioritize sportsmanship. This approach has become Klopp’s signature and has helped him achieve significant success, notably at Liverpool, where he led the team to a Premier League title, a Champions League title, and several other domestic and international honors.
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The Legacy of the 2018 Champions League Incident
The 2018 Champions League final was a pivotal moment in Klopp’s career and one that arguably set the stage for Liverpool’s subsequent successes. Although Liverpool fell short in that final, the loss fueled Klopp and his squad’s determination to secure the Champions League title the following season. The defeat underscored the importance of resilience and depth, lessons Klopp took to heart as he bolstered Liverpool’s roster with players like Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk.
In the years since the incident, Klopp has continued to emphasize fair play and discipline. His remarks on Ramos, while colored by a particular experience, echo his broader views on what it means to play with respect. For Klopp, football is more than just winning; it’s about embodying values that go beyond the scoreline.
Klopp’s Future and Continued Commitment to His Principles
As Klopp transitions from his role at Liverpool, with rumored links to the Red Bull organization, he remains an influential figure in the football world. His continued reflection on incidents like the Ramos-Salah clash indicates his deep commitment to sportsmanship and integrity, principles he’s carried with him throughout his career. For Klopp, the legacy he leaves is not solely about titles or victories but about the values he’s instilled in his players and teams.
While Ramos’ playing style may have secured titles for Real Madrid, Klopp’s response highlights a different kind of victory—a dedication to playing the game the right way. His comments on Ramos are a reminder of the importance of respect and fair competition, and his refusal to condone behavior he views as overly aggressive reaffirms his commitment to upholding these values in his coaching career.
In the ever-evolving world of football, Klopp’s steadfast approach offers a refreshing perspective. As he moves forward in his career, his focus on fair play and character will undoubtedly continue to shape the next generation of players and fans. The legacy of the 2018 Champions League final serves as a lasting reminder of Klopp’s dedication to the sport, a commitment he will carry with him no matter where his journey takes him next.
