Share

Klopp not falling for 'old fox' Ancelotti's mind games

Italy - Liverpool manger Jurgen Klopp laughed off words of flattery from Napoli's Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday saying he would not fall for mind games by the "smart fox" Italian coach.

Former Bayern Munich coach Ancelotti, who took over at Napoli this season, said earlier he believed Liverpool had stepped up a level and were now one of the strongest teams in Europe.

Klopp's side were losing finalists in last year's Champions League final and are unbeaten in the Premier League this term.

They got their European campaign off the mark by beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-2 to top Group C, while Napoli drew away to Red Star Belgrade.

"I like Carlo, I respect him a lot," Klopp said at a press conference in the San Paolo Stadium.

"He was a world-class player and he's obviously a world-class manager.

"But, as we say in Germany, he's obviously a smart fox. Saying all these nice things about me before the game is nice but it's tactics.

"Carlo's (been) so long in the business and (he is) trying to bring the nice fellow out of me.

"But I'm here ready for a real battle. Yes, we were stable in the last few weeks, we performed on a consistent level, but tomorrow we need to step up.

"I don't see a gap between Napoli and us, it's going to be a real challenge," he said.

Klopp's last visit to Napoli as Borussia Dortmund manager in 2013 saw him sent off in the first half of a 2-1 loss for arguing with an official.

The German recalled watching the second half with the stadium groundsman and admitted it was not his proudest moment.

"It was not my best performance, personally. I reacted in a way that was absolutely not okay.

"I understand why I was not happy, but the reaction was too much. I watched two games from the stands, one against Arsenal at home and I don't know the other one.

"It was because my behaviour was not so good in the Bundesliga as well. But since then it's been better, that was the last time I got a little too excited. Now I know it will not happen again."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE