Liverpool midfielder Fabinho was left shocked by Jurgen Klopp’s comments about Brazil manager Tite.
Speaking with Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, the 29-year-old claims he was surprised when the Reds boss made a public statement about his national team coach.
Back in October 2020, Klopp was questioned over an injury Fabinho had picked up and what that would mean for the Selecao.
“I’m not sure if Tite is too worried because he never plays him, so [Fabinho] will probably now not sit on the bench for the next three international games,” he said.
“For us it’s obviously a proper blow, but for now we don’t know.”
Ahead of the World Cup, the player has now admitted he was taken aback by the German’s response, but he also says how much he appreciates this type of care.
“After I had already won the position at Liverpool and won important titles, Klopp surprised me with a statement speaking directly to Tite,” Fabinho said.
“When I heard it, I thought: ‘Damn it! Strong!’
“I was curious how Tite would react, but he was quiet, good.
“Klopp is older than me, I can’t control what he says! He has a very strong name in football and knows the size of his statements. He always cares about his players, the travels, the wear and everything.”
“He’s already talked to me about selection (Brazil call-up). I made it clear that I always wanted to defend Brazil and for the dream of playing in a World Cup. He understands. He said he never played for the national team and that he doesn’t know the feeling, but that he understood me.
“I’ve never played professionally for any Brazilian club, but when I’m asked if I have that frustration, the answer is no. I seized the opportunity that came early for me and made my career in Europe.”
Fabinho was surprised by Klopp’s outburst
Over the years, Liverpool supporters have become accustomed to Klopp speaking his mind.
Often this has come at the defence of his players, which has created a family-like bond at Kirkby.
Other football fans have been somewhat critical of these sorts of things in the past, but they have made Liverpool a close-knit unit – something which has always been evident on the pitch.
As for Klopp’s comments, he was absolutely right to question Fabinho’s absence in the Brazil team back in 2020.
After a relatively poor start to the season this year, it was never going to be likely that Tite was going to start the Liverpool man at the upcoming World Cup.
However, back then, Fabinho was in unbelievable form. At the time, there was no question whether he should have been a mainstay in the Brazilian team. The likes of Fred, from Manchester United, were getting in the XI ahead of him, and it always seemed as if club form was never a factor in Tite’s selection.
Therefore, Klopp was fully justified in his comments.
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