Sergio Ramos? Whenever I had players like that, I sent them away

Jurgen Klopp, who managed Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, has once again voiced strong criticism of Sergio Ramos, recalling the controversial incident in the 2018 Champions League final when Ramos’s challenge led to an injury that forced Mohamed Salah off the field.

The tackle, widely scrutinized and debated, had a significant impact on the game, which Real Madrid went on to win 3-1. For Liverpool and its fans, the incident not only cast a shadow over their Champions League hopes but also left lingering resentment toward Ramos.

In a recent appearance on Toni Kroos’s podcast, Klopp was invited to reflect on a range of topics, but his comments about Ramos reignited past tensions. Addressing the challenge, Klopp acknowledged the defender's skill but questioned his character and mentality on the field. “Sergio Ramos, is he really a good guy? He’s not my favorite player; the action was brutal,” Klopp said, recalling how Salah’s injury changed the course of that final. Though Klopp admitted that Ramos couldn’t have known he’d injure Salah’s shoulder so severely, he remarked, “We all know he accepted it very gladly.” For Klopp, this acceptance spoke volumes, as he emphasized his struggle to understand that kind of mentality in players. In Klopp’s view, such behavior was antithetical to the values he tried to instill in his teams, which focused on competitive yet respectful play.

Klopp went further, mentioning that whenever he encountered players with a similar mindset to Ramos, he made it a priority to ensure they didn’t stay long under his management. This uncompromising stance has characterized Klopp’s coaching philosophy, where he values players who exhibit resilience and intensity without crossing certain ethical lines. The German manager’s pointed critique of Ramos’s actions was met with a response from Toni Kroos, who played alongside Ramos at Real Madrid for years and vouched for him as “a great teammate.” Kroos’s perspective hinted at the strong camaraderie Ramos shared with his Real Madrid peers, casting a different light on the player’s reputation.

However, Klopp remained unconvinced, responding, “I find it hard to believe that. He won’t be my favorite player, but it doesn’t matter.” When asked if he would have liked to have Ramos on his team, Klopp was clear, explaining that he had always felt his center-backs were “good enough not to get involved in actions like that.” His answer hinted at his enduring commitment to upholding a specific ethos within his teams, prizing defensive discipline over aggression that could endanger an opponent.

The ongoing friction around the 2018 final continues to resonate among Liverpool fans and some of the players who were part of that squad. Salah’s injury was a pivotal moment that many believe altered the competitive balance of the match, making Ramos’s role in that incident particularly controversial. The debate surrounding Ramos’s style of play highlights a broader discussion within football circles about the acceptable limits of physicality and gamesmanship, especially in high-stakes matches.

Klopp’s comments, albeit years after the fact, underline the emotional impact that single events can have on players, fans, and managers. For Klopp, that final in 2018 remains a memorable turning point, not just because of the loss but because of the principles he believes were compromised. As Ramos’s career progresses and he reflects on his own actions, the divide between his approach and Klopp’s views serves as a reminder of the contrasting philosophies within the sport: the fine line between fiercely competitive play and respect for opponents.