Jurgen Klopp Responds Firmly to Journalist’s Query on VAR

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“Refereeing decisions influenced by VAR have been a consistent focus since its introduction to football in the late 2010s, sparking numerous controversies in the current season.

Liverpool faced frustration, particularly in their 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in September, where a communication error led to a goal being incorrectly ruled out for offside.

In a more recent instance, Liverpool was denied a penalty in their 1-1 draw against title rivals Arsenal, despite clear contact with Martin Odegaard’s arm in the 18-yard box.

Additionally, a goal in their 2-0 victory over Burnley was disallowed due to a soft foul by Darwin Nunez, adding to the VAR-related debates this season.”

“At a press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Newcastle United, Klopp faced a question about the continued use of VAR in English football, and he responded with some frustration.

“I don’t believe I should be responding to this question,” he retorted. “Often, my phrases are used repeatedly, and it seems to shift the focus away from the discussions we have.

It becomes just ‘what Klopp said,’ which doesn’t contribute positively. Unfortunately, that’s how it goes.

“I don’t mean it that way, but that’s how it gets utilized. Can we agree on that? Whatever I say now becomes ‘Klopp says,’ and we all see the recurring issues every time we watch a game, thinking, ‘How is that possible?’ Regarding the goals, for and against us, I’d say they are valid goals according to the rules.

“We can keep discussing this endlessly; it’s a topic we’re well familiar with. Probably the authorities are too. So, what’s the solution? They need to be courageous.

What I mean is, remove VAR? Oh my God. Eliminate VAR? No. Improving VAR usage is probably the right approach, and I think it can be achieved.”

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