‘Did Mr Keane say it was sloppy? Incredible!’: Jurgen Klopp and Roy Keane involved in tense exchange

Jurgen Klopp and Roy Keane were dramatically at loggerheads on Sky Sports after Liverpool‘s victory over Arsenal with the Reds boss bemused at believing he heard the word ‘sloppy’ used to describe his team’s display. 

Goals from Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota sealed all three points for the hosts at Anfield after Alexandre Lacazette‘s early strike, as Klopp’s side maintained their 100 per cent record this season.

But upon starting his post-match interview on Monday Night Football, the German questioned as to whether he was correct in hearing Keane moments earlier stating Liverpool’s performance was ‘sloppy’ – and the former Manchester United captain later clarified he said the Reds had ‘sloppy moments’ in what was a tense exchange.  

When asked by presenter David Jones what was good about the match, Klopp responded with: ‘Everything. Did I hear right that Mr Keane said we had a sloppy performance?’ 

Keane reacted sharply, saying: ‘They gave up one or two opportunities they’d be disappointed with.’

A still confused Klopp then said: ‘I’m not sure if I heard it right. That’s an incredible description of this game. It was exceptional. There was nothing sloppy, absolutely nothing. 

‘Against a team in form. [The goal] was offside. The football we played was absolutely exceptional. About this game tonight, there’s nothing bad to say. It wasn’t sloppy.’ 

Yet Keane did not back down and attempted to clarify his comments: ‘I’ve been giving nothing but praise for your team. You’ve heard me wrong there… You need to watch it again,’ with Klopp replying: ‘I will, 100 per cent’

After the interview was finished, Keane then quipped: ‘Very sensitive, isn’t he? Jesus, imagine if they’d lost!’ 

In the seconds before Klopp was interviewed live from the MNF studio, Keane did use the word sloppy in describing Klopp’s side in moments tonight and against Leeds United in their opening 4-3 win. 

‘They were sloppy on one or two occasions on the back but job done and a good start to the season,’ Keane said.

‘Arsenal do have quality so there was a chance [they would score]. Liverpool were sloppy against Leeds, they did well against Chelsea, they were sloppy again tonight but they’ve got nine points. 

‘They’re capable of winning games when they’re not at their best and that’s the sign of a good team.’  

Klopp was clearly extremely happy with his side’s performance on Monday night, as they leapfrogged neighbours Everton at the top-end of the Premier League table. 

‘This game – wow, I have to say, there were moments when they were offside and Ali [Alisson] had to make a save but there were not too many of them,,’ Klopp remarked. 

‘We had to be brave enough to cause them problems and that’s how it worked. We didn’t stop – that’s very important. At half time, I liked it so much that I thought we couldn’t keep it going. 

‘That’s a good sign. It was a difficult pre-season for everyone. It’s been a strange season. Everton have three new players, flying – really good team I have to say. 

‘Leeds, Chelsea and Arsenal is tough so nine points is good.’