Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp criticises VAR after Brighton win, 'clear and obvious a real problem'
- Planet Sport writer
- 12 March 2022
Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over Brighton on Saturday afternoon, but following the match Jurgen Klopp criticised VAR's use of the phrase 'clear and obvious'.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the Reds with a header, but only after the Colombian winger was on the receiving end of a heavy blow from Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
VAR proceeded to investigate the contact, but ruled that there was no red card for the goalkeeper.
Diaz was fortunately able to continue after scoring, but Klopp took a moment to criticize VAR's use of the phrase 'clear and obvious' when making decisions, with the German coach believing that it doesn't necessarily result in correct decisions being made.
Following the final whistle, Klopp said "I haven't seen it back but it's a very good example of the issues with VAR. The phrase 'clear and obvious' is a real problem.
"Because the phrase 'clear and obvious' is not wrong or right - nobody should feel like overturning somebody if the VAR is the team of the refs and not somebody from outside who thinks he might embarrass the ref because it's his decision…it would help as well."
Our goalscorers 🥰 pic.twitter.com/7s4Wy8Oqil
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 12, 2022
Mohamed Salah added Liverpool's second after half time, a goal that marked the Reds' 2000th goal in the Premier League.
The win took the Merseyside club back to just three points behind league leaders Manchester City, and with the two sides set to face each other in early April, the title is not out of reach for Liverpool this season.
Klopp was pleased with his side's performance against Brighton, and in particular praised goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
However, while the Brazilian shot-stopper was in fine form, Klopp wants to see his side do more to help him out at the back.
Alisson Becker appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/XFYhQqadZs
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 12, 2022
"A difficult game, good opponent, needed a few minutes to get into the game. From the moment when we got into the game, we controlled it in a really good way," Klopp said.
"I don't think you can deny Brighton constantly and completely because of the quality that they have, but we tried well and scored a wonderful goal in a really good situation, could have scored more, good chances from open play situations or from counter-attacking moments, so both.
"Second half started with a good situation for Brighton but then after that we controlled it again, scored a second goal, then in the last two minutes they had a chance that was big but Ali is a world-class goalie, and he should not have to show it in each game, but he showed it again. That's good and that's why we have a clean sheet.
"I think we deserved the three points and that's actually all I'm interested in and I'm happy about most of the things."
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Wednesday night, when they travel to London to face an in-form Arsenal side.
