Tallinn: Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos criticised Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp’s poor record in finals in the latest instalment of their long-running war of words on Tuesday.
The German recently blasted Ramos for injuring Mohammad Salah and colliding with goalkeeper Loris Karius during Liverpool’s 3-1 Champions League final defeat by Real in May.
Salah suffered shoulder ligament damage and left the pitch in tears with huge questions hanging over his participation at the World Cup in Russia.
It later emerged that Karius had suffered a concussion, and following the incident he made couple of blunders to concede two goals.
“It’s not the first final [Klopp] has lost, he should stick to his own business,” Ramos told reporters ahead of the Uefa Super Cup showdown with Europa League winners Atletico Madrid.
“Some of us have been operating at a very high level for many years, I’m not sure he can say the same.”
Klopp, who described Ramos as “ruthless and brutal”, has failed to win six of seven finals during his coaching career.
Ramos has won four Champions Leagues, La Liga four times, the 2010 World Cup and two European Championship titles with Spain.
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has welcomed the intense competition for starting spots at the Premier League club, with the Brazil international saying the battle for places would boost the team’s performances.
The 24-year-old, who joined from AS Monaco before the start of the season, is yet to make his competitive debut for Liverpool after being benched for last Sunday’s league opening 4-0 thrashing of West Ham United.
“When I came to Liverpool I knew this competition would exist in midfield and I think it’s really good for the team,” Fabinho told Premier League Productions.
“If anything happens to a player, there’s adequate cover. During pre-season I played alongside a variety of different players and we blended really well. So, overall, I think it’s a good thing for the team.”
Fabinho faces competition from captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Adam Lallana, Naby Keita and Georginio Wijnaldum to seal a regular starting role.
The Brazilian maintained the rivalry is healthy and has credited his midfield counterparts for helping him adapt to Liverpool’s playing style.
“My midfield partners have given me guidance and assistance, as have the defence. I knew [my role] would change and I feel I’ve adapted well,” Fabinho added.
“You seek guidance and help from the players around you and that has worked really well up until now.”
