Klopp takes aim at trigger-happy Abramovich; double Liverpool injury boost

Jurgen Klopp took a swipe at trigger-happy Roman Abramovich after Chelsea axed Frank Lampard as Chelsea boss on Monday.

Lampard paid the price for a run of five defeats in seven Premier League games. And Chelsea wasted no time in replacing the Blues legend by appointing Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday evening.

German coach Tuchel is a coach Klopp knows well with Tuchel following Klopp with Bundesliga jobs at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.

Asked if he had any advice for his fellow countryman, the Reds boss declined and said he did not have Tuchel’s number to text him.

“I have no public advice. No advice necessary.” said Klopp.

Klopp was also asked his view of Lampard’s sacking and believes the former England midfielder has been treated incredibly harshly.

Klopp said: “Two things, Lampard has lost his job, I have to say that is a tough one.

“I think Chelsea did an incredible job in the transfer market and it needed time. That’s normal. It’s really harsh to make the decision that early.

“Mr Abramovich gives chances but is not the most patient in the world. I feel for Frank, it is his club.

“Tuchel is great, I respect him a lot. This Chelsea squad is a present, eh? I am pretty sure Thomas sees it that way. They will be good.”

Klopp believes Lampard will return to the game quickly after showing glimpses of being a top Premier League coach.

“How many coaches did Chelsea have in the last 10 years? You’re successful or out. That’s the mantra and I have nothing to do with that. I have been lucky with the clubs I have been at.

“For Frank everything will be fine,” added Klopp, who then hinted Chelsea’s decision makers were not ‘football people’.

“The football people out there, if they saw some of the stuff that Chelsea played last season they will have seen a clear plan. Frank might not want to hear that but as a young manager he did a lot of really good stuff. He will be back soon if he wants that. He will get more time.”

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Klopp takes his his to Tottenham on Thursday night – where he kicked off his tenure with Liverpool in 2015.

Matip and Henderson in full training

“When I arrived, Spurs was most talented squad. Incredible, young…Kane, Lloris, Alli, Eriksen, Dier, Lamela, Davies, Alderwiereld.

“All young and good. They came second that year. I arrived with a different squad and had to change things. It was hoe the situation was.”

The Liverpool boss confirmed he has no new injuries to contend and Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson could return.

“No new [injuries]. Hendo and Joel trained yesterday with the team fully. Like always we have to wait and see overnight but they trained,” said Klopp.

Thursday is the start of a tough spell of fictures for the champions, whose own form has fallen off a cliff.

“We never thought about the game after next. We play Spurs, nothing else.

“We don’t play the other four. It’s tough enough only Spurs. Game by game. Difficult? Yes. All Premier League games are the same. We will try and we’ll see.”

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