Sport nationJurgen Klopp Names Everton Moment He ‘Hated’ That Cost Liverpool Their Own Robert Lewandowski
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has revealed that a vicious challenge from Ramiro Funes Mori in the 2016 Merseyside Derby “changed” Divock Origi’s Liverpool career and potentially cost the Reds their own Robert Lewandowski. Origi spent eight years at Anfield, winning numerous honors, but Klopp believes his career trajectory was altered by the tackle.
Origi was an instrumental part of Klopp’s early success at Liverpool, starting both Europa League quarter-final ties against Borussia Dortmund in April 2016. His performances earned comparisons to Lewandowski, with Dortmund impressed by his display. However, just a week later, Funes Mori’s tackle in the Merseyside Derby left Origi injured and potentially altered the course of his career.
Klopp recalled the incident in an interview with The Redmen TV, saying, “By the way, Dortmund away, Divock Origi: what a performance. So Dortmund in that phase [were] in the early stages without Lewandowski and after the game were like ‘Oh my god, you have another one!’ Divock was outstanding.”
He continued, “And then in the Merseyside Derby Funes Mori knocked him down in a really bad way. And that’s what I really hated about derbies, in the early stages that was possible. I was a hard player and was not hesitating, let me say it like that, but I didn’t understand that. That day changed the career, because Divock was coming [gestures upwards].”
Origi played in the Europa League final later that season, but Klopp believes the injury affected his performance, saying, “He played in the final and I think that was the first game he could play and he was half limping and those kind of things, and the rest is history.”
Klopp’s comments highlight the impact of the tackle on Origi’s career, potentially denying Liverpool a striker of Lewandowski’s caliber. The incident also underscores the intensity and physicality of Merseyside Derbies, which can have a lasting impact on players’ careers.
Origi’s Liverpool career was marked by periods of excellence, including his instrumental role in the Reds’ Champions League triumph in 2019. However, he often found himself deputizing for the formidable front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane. Despite this, Origi remains a beloved figure at Anfield, and his contributions to the club’s success will not be forgotten.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the challenges players face in high-intensity matches like the Merseyside Derby. The physicality and intensity of these games can have a lasting impact on players’ careers, and it is crucial for teams to prioritize player safety and well-being.
In conclusion, Klopp’s comments highlight the significant impact of the tackle on Origi’s career, potentially denying Liverpool a striker of Lewandowski’s caliber. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges players face in high-intensity matches and the need for teams to prioritize player safety and well-being.
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