Danish journalist Niels Christian Frederiksen says he will hold no grudge with Jurgen Klopp over the German’s fiery reaction to one of his questions.
Klopp flew off the handle when, during an interview for Viaplay, Frederiksen asked the 56-year-old why Liverpool didn’t reach their usual levels of intensity during extra-time of their FA Cup quarter final loss to Manchester United.
The German retorted immediately, describing Frederiksen’s question as ‘dumb,’ before storming away from the interview entirely as soon as he asked a follow-up.
“So too many games,” was as far as Frederiksen got with that line of enquiry, before Klopp called it quits.
Klopp caused controversy after the game in which he stormed out of an interview with Norwegian TV after seeminglybecoming irritated by questions about his team’s performance.
“That’s a bit of a dumb question, I have to say, if you see us often. If you never see us then you can ask ‘how can they have more resources?’” he replied.
“We played I don’t know how many games recently, I don’t know how many games United exactly have played. That’s sport. I’m really disappointed by that question, but you thought the opposite so that’s good.”
He then cut off the interviewer, who tried to move on the conversation, saying: “Oh, you don’t think that? Ah, come on, you’re obviously not in good shape and I have no words for you,” before walking off.
“I was very surprised by it, and those standing around were scared, and they were almost pressed up against the wall like: ‘wow, what the hell just happened here?’
“It continued after what was seen on TV. He continued down the hallway, where he yelled and screamed at me. I also followed him because I thought it was something strange.
“I was very surprised, while some looked very shocked, and they asked: ‘Are you okay?’ and of course I’m okay. I have interviewed Jurgen many times.”
Frederiksen did clarif Klopp’s ‘not in a good shape’ comment however. Some claimed online that it was a jibe at Frederiksen’s phyiscal make-up but he said this was not the case.
The Dane said: “No, no, no, that was not at all what he meant.
“First of all, I’m not overweight, and if I were, he would never ever say that. That’s not how Klopp is.
“It wasn’t meant like that at all. He’s not at all mean. He meant that I was unable and unfit to ask questions. There was nothing else.”
