“Blatant refereeing decisions” – Klopp speaks about officials playing part in Man City and Liverpool battle

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted he has no problem with anyone at Manchester City, despite “blatant refereeing decisions” going against his side.

The Reds once again found themselves competing with Manchester City for the title last season, as has been the case for the past few years.

Last year’s race was one of the tightest yet, though, with Manchester City initially setting the pace and Liverpool struggling to keep up.

However, Jurgen Klopp and his side managed to haul back a 14-point gap in the second half of the campaign to ensure that the title went to the final day.

At one point it appeared they would be adding another crown to their haul when Manchester City found themselves 2-0 down to Aston Villa, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

That had the title heading to Anfield before City mounted a late comeback, scoring three in six minutes to turn the game around and ensure they would be champions for the fourth time in five seasons.

That meant further disappointment for Liverpool, and Klopp believes decisions went against his side in the race.

“I don’t have any problems with anyone from City. They deserved it just as much as we deserved it,” he told Sport 1.

“What comes up in a moment like that: a few things happened over the season when a few things went against us, so I was thinking on the day: Let’s hope it won’t be decisive in the end.

“And then you forget about it again and don’t think about it. There were really blatant refereeing decisions. You keep thinking, what went in our favour?

“Completely without club glasses. We were lucky once not to get a penalty against us. But we were already leading 2-0. Otherwise – nothing.

“And against us? Clear handball penalties, penalties not given. Clear red cards not given against us, so for the opponent. That comes up at this moment. It’s human to think for a moment. But I don’t carry that around for long.

“No matter how Manchester City get the result, I accepted it – it’s deserved. And the other way round quite the same.

“And I can say: today I would be sitting here and wouldn’t feel one bit different if I had become champion and won the Champions League for a second time.”