Guardiola 'colapsa'

Pep Guardiola (51 años) sigue buscando la Champions League que le falta. Es precisamente en esa búsqueda incesante por hacerse con la máxima competición continental cuando más han sonado sus derrotas con goles en el último suspiro que han acabado con las aspiraciones del entrenador catalán, que vivió su primer colapso con el Barcelona.

Hay que volver 12 años atrás, cuando Guardiola perseguía su segunda Champions consecutiva con el Barça pero se encontró en las semifinales al Inter de Milán, dirigido por José Mourinho. Los azulgranas eran los grandes favoritos pero 13 minutos de frenesí en el Guiseppe Meazza fueron suficientes para que los interistas marcaran dos goles y pusieran patas arriba la eliminatoria.

Más cruel fue la vuelta de las semifinales de Liga de Campeones en la temporada 2013-14, la primera de Guardiola en el Bayern de Múnich. Su equipo arrasó en las rondas previas desplegando un gran fútbol antes de enfrentarse al Real Madrid, que le terminó devorando en 18 minutos con dos goles de Sergio Ramos y uno de Cristiano Ronaldo. El partido acabó 0-4 y el entrenador catalán ha reconocido en más de una ocasión que fue su “peor derrota”.

No obstante, la temporada siguiente, el Barcelona haría algo muy parecido marcando tres goles al Bayern en 17 minutos. Otro colapso de un equipo de Guardiola, que en el Manchester City también ha vivido noches aciagas en Champions: el Mónaco en 2017, el Liverpool en 2018, el Tottenham en 2019 y el Lyon en 2020 le dejaron fuera de combate en cuestión de minutos.

Así pues, el Real Madrid es el último equipo en aprovecharse de los ‘lapsus’ del City de Guardiola, y es precisamente el equipo madridista el mejor dato ostenta por su remontada exprés en el Santiago Bernabéu. Rodrygo, por partida doble, y Benzema de penalti, marcaron tres goles en tan solo seis minutos de juego que dejaron al entrenador catalán fuera de una nueva final de la Champions.

'I don't like this kind of football' – Klopp slates Spurs' tactics

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hit out at Spurs’ tactics following the two sides’ 1-1 draw at Anfield that derailed the Reds’ title hopes.
Klopp – who levelled a similar accusation at Atletico Madrid in 2020 – said he “doesn’t like” the style of football Antonio Conte’s men put forward on Saturday night and urged them to contribute more to the spectacle.

He also suggested that the two sides’ respective fixture load played a part in the result, and that – in his view – it highlighted why Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple this term has historically been so difficult to achieve.

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Klopp, who saw Luis Diaz cancel out Heung-min Son’s second-half opener, said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that [defensive football], I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they [Spurs] are world-class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against us they had 36, 38 per cent possession [35% was the reported figure].

“But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Fine, whatever. fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t.

“I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.

Harry Kane and Son were completely rested, that is why it [the quadruple] is so hard.

“That is why it is so unlikely, there is a reason nobody has done it in this country.

“I would love to sit here and say [Manchester] City will drop points but I can’t see it. I wish I would think differently about it but I can’t see it. But we will see what happens.”

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

Spurs boss Conte revealed he had focussed on his team’s defensive rigour in the lead-up to the game, and hinted that to set up a more expansive team would take time.

He said: “I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection.

“At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.

“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.

“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”

Premier League

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06/05/2022 AT 12:16

Transfers

‘We have made a deal’ – Confusion reigns over Carvalho’s future at Fulham

03/05/2022 AT 13:26

'I don't like this kind of football' – Klopp slates Spurs' tactics

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hit out at Spurs’ tactics following the two sides’ 1-1 draw at Anfield that derailed the Reds’ title hopes.
Klopp – who levelled a similar accusation at Atletico Madrid in 2020 – said he “doesn’t like” the style of football Antonio Conte’s men put forward on Saturday night and urged them to contribute more to the spectacle.

He also suggested that the two sides’ respective fixture load played a part in the result, and that – in his view – it highlighted why Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple this term has historically been so difficult to achieve.

Premier League

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

06/05/2022 AT 12:16

Klopp, who saw Luis Diaz cancel out Heung-min Son’s second-half opener, said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that [defensive football], I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they [Spurs] are world-class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against us they had 36, 38 per cent possession [35% was the reported figure].

“But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Fine, whatever. fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t.

“I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.

Harry Kane and Son were completely rested, that is why it [the quadruple] is so hard.

“That is why it is so unlikely, there is a reason nobody has done it in this country.

“I would love to sit here and say [Manchester] City will drop points but I can’t see it. I wish I would think differently about it but I can’t see it. But we will see what happens.”

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

Spurs boss Conte revealed he had focussed on his team’s defensive rigour in the lead-up to the game, and hinted that to set up a more expansive team would take time.

He said: “I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection.

“At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.

“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.

“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”

Transfers

‘We have made a deal’ – Confusion reigns over Carvalho’s future at Fulham

03/05/2022 AT 13:26

Ballon d’Or

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03/05/2022 AT 10:23

'I don't like this kind of football' – Klopp slates Spurs' tactics

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hit out at Spurs’ tactics following the two sides’ 1-1 draw at Anfield that derailed the Reds’ title hopes.
Klopp – who levelled a similar accusation at Atletico Madrid in 2020 – said he “doesn’t like” the style of football Antonio Conte’s men put forward on Saturday night and urged them to contribute more to the spectacle.

He also suggested that the two sides’ respective fixture load played a part in the result, and that – in his view – it highlighted why Liverpool’s push for an unprecedented quadruple this term has historically been so difficult to achieve.

Premier League

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

06/05/2022 AT 12:16

Klopp, who saw Luis Diaz cancel out Heung-min Son’s second-half opener, said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that [defensive football], I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they [Spurs] are world-class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against us they had 36, 38 per cent possession [35% was the reported figure].

“But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it. So yes, world-class players block all the balls, really difficult. Fine, whatever. fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t.

“I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.

Harry Kane and Son were completely rested, that is why it [the quadruple] is so hard.

“That is why it is so unlikely, there is a reason nobody has done it in this country.

“I would love to sit here and say [Manchester] City will drop points but I can’t see it. I wish I would think differently about it but I can’t see it. But we will see what happens.”

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

Spurs boss Conte revealed he had focussed on his team’s defensive rigour in the lead-up to the game, and hinted that to set up a more expansive team would take time.

He said: “I asked my players to be good defensively and we didn’t concede any chances to Liverpool and conceded a goal with a deflection.

“At the same time I asked our players to play with the ball and we couldn’t, Liverpool pressed as they do in every game. But I think the draw was fair.

“Jurgen has done a fantastic job, in seven years they have won a lot and he has created a monster in a good way. He has to be satisfied. But to do that you need the time.

“In November [when Conte took over] not many people thought Tottenham would be competing for a place in the Champions League.”

Transfers

‘We have made a deal’ – Confusion reigns over Carvalho’s future at Fulham

03/05/2022 AT 13:26

Ballon d’Or

‘Salah and Mane are your standouts’ – Crouch tips Liverpool duo for Ballon d’Or glory

03/05/2022 AT 10:23

Liverpool held by Tottenham as Spurs dent Reds' Premier League title hopes

Liverpool’s title hopes were dented after Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Tottenham.

The Reds knew a win would send them two points clear at the top of the Premier League table above Manchester City. Although a draw moves the Merseyside club into first, City – who have a game in hand – can go three clear with a win over Newcastle on Sunday.

For Tottenham, the result means Antonio Conte’s side stay in fifth and a point behind Arsenal having played a game more than their north London rivals.

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

5 HOURS AGO

In an open first half where Liverpool dominated possession, the hosts came closest to scoring through Virgil van Dijk. In the 38th minute, he rose above Cristian Romero and Eric Dier to power a header towards goal only for it to crash off the bar.

But two minutes before half-time, Tottenham had a great chance of their own. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg unleashed a fierce drive on goal from 25 yards out which had the better of Alisson but came off the post.

Tottenham drastically improved in attack in the second half and they took the lead through Son Heung-min in the 56th minute.

Kane played in Ryan Sessegnon in plenty of space down the left flank before squaring for the South Korea international to apply a simple close-range finish for his 20th goal of the season.

Liverpool responded positively and it was Luis Diaz who got the equaliser. His shot from outside the box took a huge deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur and deceived Hugo Lloris as it flew into the bottom corner.

Mohamed Salah came close to getting a winning goal in the 89th minute with a curling shot from outside the box, but a deflection off substitute Davinson Sanchez took it off course.

And in the final moments of the match, Harry Winks crossed for Hojbjerg who had a free header from point-blank range at the far post, but he elected to square it to Kane and it was intercepted.

TALKING POINT – Have Liverpool handed Man City the title?

Liverpool have just three Premier League games left against Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A) and Wolves (H) knowing they will likely have to win them all if they are to win the title.

If there is one weakness in Liverpool’s team it is the space left when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes up in attack. So perhaps it was no great surprise Tottenham’s goal arrived through a Sessegnon assist after he was left in far too much space down Liverpool’s right flank. Liverpool’s next three opponents will likely look to exploit the same weakness again.

Any dropped points from now on will likely spell the end of their title charge. City’s remaining four games are Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), West Ham (A) and Aston Villa (H).

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ben Davies

Davies put in an excellent defensive display to contain the threat of Mohamed Salah cutting in from the right flank.

The Wales international’s timely sliding block to deny the Egyptian’s goalbound effort in the 72nd minute was a pivotal moment in the match.

PLAYER RATINGS

Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (5), Konate (6), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (5), Fabinho (6), Henderson (5), Alcantara (7), Diaz (7), Mane (6), Salah (6)

Subs: Tsimikas (5), Jota (6), Keita (N/A)

Tottenham: Lloris (6), Romero (5), Dier (6), Davies (8), Emerson (6), Bentancur (6), Hojbjerg (7), Sessegnon (6), Kulusevski (6), Son (6), Kane (6)

Subs: Sanchez (N/A), Winks (N/A), Bergwijn (N/A)

KEY MOMENTS

38′ – OFF THE BAR! Alexander-Arnold’s corner is met by Van Dijk, who towers above Romero and Dier with a powerful header and it cracks off the woodwork! That is Liverpool’s best chance of the game so far.

43′ – OFF THE POST! Tottenham’s best chance of the game so far! Hojbjerg gets plenty of space and drills a shot towards the bottom corner of Liverpool’s goal from outside the box. It beats Alisson but it smashes off the post!

56′ – GOAL! TOTTENHAM LEAD THROUGH SON!! This could be a pivotal moment in the title race and Tottenham’s pursuit of a top-four spot! Kane brings the ball down outside the box and lays it off to Sessegnon, who is in plenty of space, and he can simply square it across for Son to tap it in!

74′ – GOAL! LIVERPOOL EQUALISE THROUGH DIAZ! What an important goal for Liverpool and it’s Diaz who gets it! Diaz drops a shoulder and smashes a low shot on goal from outside the box. It takes a huge deflection off Bentancur and flies into the bottom corner! Liverpool are level!

90+4′ – BIG CHANCE SQUANDERED BY SPURS! Winks’ cross to the far post finds Hojbjerg free at the far post, but instead of attacking it he tries to square it for Kane and Liverpool can clear!

KEY STATS

Premier League

‘We should have tried’ – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

YESTERDAY AT 09:35

Champions League

‘Where are these tickets?’ – Klopp questions UEFA’s Champions League final plans

YESTERDAY AT 16:18

Liverpool held by Tottenham as Spurs dent Reds' Premier League title hopes

Liverpool’s title hopes were dented after Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a 1-1 draw against Tottenham.

The Reds knew a win would send them two points clear at the top of the Premier League table above Manchester City. Although a draw moves the Merseyside club into first, City – who have a game in hand – can go three clear with a win over Newcastle on Sunday.

For Tottenham, the result means Antonio Conte’s side stay in fifth and a point behind Arsenal having played a game more than their north London rivals.

Premier League

‘I don’t like this kind of football’ – Klopp slates Spurs’ tactics

5 HOURS AGO

In an open first half where Liverpool dominated possession, the hosts came closest to scoring through Virgil van Dijk. In the 38th minute, he rose above Cristian Romero and Eric Dier to power a header towards goal only for it to crash off the bar.

But two minutes before half-time, Tottenham had a great chance of their own. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg unleashed a fierce drive on goal from 25 yards out which had the better of Alisson but came off the post.

Tottenham drastically improved in attack in the second half and they took the lead through Son Heung-min in the 56th minute.

Kane played in Ryan Sessegnon in plenty of space down the left flank before squaring for the South Korea international to apply a simple close-range finish for his 20th goal of the season.

Liverpool responded positively and it was Luis Diaz who got the equaliser. His shot from outside the box took a huge deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur and deceived Hugo Lloris as it flew into the bottom corner.

Mohamed Salah came close to getting a winning goal in the 89th minute with a curling shot from outside the box, but a deflection off substitute Davinson Sanchez took it off course.

And in the final moments of the match, Harry Winks crossed for Hojbjerg who had a free header from point-blank range at the far post, but he elected to square it to Kane and it was intercepted.

TALKING POINT – Have Liverpool handed Man City the title?

Liverpool have just three Premier League games left against Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A) and Wolves (H) knowing they will likely have to win them all if they are to win the title.

If there is one weakness in Liverpool’s team it is the space left when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes up in attack. So perhaps it was no great surprise Tottenham’s goal arrived through a Sessegnon assist after he was left in far too much space down Liverpool’s right flank. Liverpool’s next three opponents will likely look to exploit the same weakness again.

Any dropped points from now on will likely spell the end of their title charge. City’s remaining four games are Newcastle (H), Wolves (A), West Ham (A) and Aston Villa (H).

Conte ‘disappointed’ for Spurs missed chance against Liverpool but says ‘result was fair’

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ben Davies

Davies put in an excellent defensive display to contain the threat of Mohamed Salah cutting in from the right flank.

The Wales international’s timely sliding block to deny the Egyptian’s goalbound effort in the 72nd minute was a pivotal moment in the match.

PLAYER RATINGS

Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (5), Konate (6), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (5), Fabinho (6), Henderson (5), Alcantara (7), Diaz (7), Mane (6), Salah (6)

Subs: Tsimikas (5), Jota (6), Keita (N/A)

Tottenham: Lloris (6), Romero (5), Dier (6), Davies (8), Emerson (6), Bentancur (6), Hojbjerg (7), Sessegnon (6), Kulusevski (6), Son (6), Kane (6)

Subs: Sanchez (N/A), Winks (N/A), Bergwijn (N/A)

KEY MOMENTS

38′ – OFF THE BAR! Alexander-Arnold’s corner is met by Van Dijk, who towers above Romero and Dier with a powerful header and it cracks off the woodwork! That is Liverpool’s best chance of the game so far.

43′ – OFF THE POST! Tottenham’s best chance of the game so far! Hojbjerg gets plenty of space and drills a shot towards the bottom corner of Liverpool’s goal from outside the box. It beats Alisson but it smashes off the post!

56′ – GOAL! TOTTENHAM LEAD THROUGH SON!! This could be a pivotal moment in the title race and Tottenham’s pursuit of a top-four spot! Kane brings the ball down outside the box and lays it off to Sessegnon, who is in plenty of space, and he can simply square it across for Son to tap it in!

74′ – GOAL! LIVERPOOL EQUALISE THROUGH DIAZ! What an important goal for Liverpool and it’s Diaz who gets it! Diaz drops a shoulder and smashes a low shot on goal from outside the box. It takes a huge deflection off Bentancur and flies into the bottom corner! Liverpool are level!

90+4′ – BIG CHANCE SQUANDERED BY SPURS! Winks’ cross to the far post finds Hojbjerg free at the far post, but instead of attacking it he tries to square it for Kane and Liverpool can clear!

KEY STATS

Premier League

‘We should have tried’ – Rangnick reveals January striker request was rejected

YESTERDAY AT 09:35

Champions League

‘Where are these tickets?’ – Klopp questions UEFA’s Champions League final plans

YESTERDAY AT 16:18

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

Premier League

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29/04/2022 AT 14:15

“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

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‘Weirdest marriage in recent history’ – View from France on Pochettino and Conte at PSG

25/04/2022 AT 19:03

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‘It changes your life’ – Conte says top four ‘very important’ for Spurs

14/04/2022 AT 16:01

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

Premier League

‘Fake news!’ – Conte slams ‘lies’ linking him with PSG move

29/04/2022 AT 14:15

“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

Ligue 1

‘Weirdest marriage in recent history’ – View from France on Pochettino and Conte at PSG

25/04/2022 AT 19:03

Premier League

‘It changes your life’ – Conte says top four ‘very important’ for Spurs

14/04/2022 AT 16:01

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

Premier League

‘Fake news!’ – Conte slams ‘lies’ linking him with PSG move

29/04/2022 AT 14:15

“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

Ligue 1

‘Weirdest marriage in recent history’ – View from France on Pochettino and Conte at PSG

25/04/2022 AT 19:03

Premier League

‘It changes your life’ – Conte says top four ‘very important’ for Spurs

14/04/2022 AT 16:01

‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

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“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

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