Jurgen Klopp has hit out at Manchester United legend Gary Neville for his criticism of Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.
The Reds boss was furious with Neville’s comments aimed towards the 23-year- old stopper after some poor recent performances.
The Reds’ error-strewn 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday saw Karius scrutinised for both of the visitors’ goals – he failed to get across to Dimitri Payet’s free-kick and was hesitant for Michail Antonio’s strike.
The German goalkeeper also made a crucial mistake in Liverpool’s late collapse at Bournemouth last week, but Klopp feels it would be wrong to focus only on him.
Karius has been involved in a storm that has seen him slammed by club icon Jamie Carragher, as well as Gary and Phil Neville for his performances and his response to negative views from the pundits.
Klopp thinks former players forget how it feels to be criticised, but suggested that should not be the case for Gary Neville after his miserable spell in charge of Valencia last season.
“My job is to protect the players as much as we can, but I can’t do that when they’re on the pitch,” he said ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Middlesbrough.
“I’m not surprised about it. In my first press conference I spoke about the English media, and the pundits, the former players. They obviously forgot completely how it felt when they got criticised.
“Especially the Neville brothers. The one who was a manager, he should know. He is not interested in helping a Liverpool player I can imagine.
“He showed that he struggled with the job to judge players. Why do we let them talk about players on television? I wouldn’t but the only thing I can do is not listen to them.
“I’m pretty sure Carra doesn’t speak too positively about United players, so obviously the Neville brothers don’t like Liverpool but I have no problem.
“If they could cause bigger problems than they already have, I think they try it. Now you have your headlines.
“Tell him [Gary Neville] I’m not on Twitter. If he wants to tell me something, don’t do it on Twitter.”
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