Lampard hits back at Klopp over Liverpool manager's dig at Chelsea spending spree

September 14, 2020 By Ali M.

Topics: Frank Lampard, Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea, Liverpool, English Premier League

The Blues boss was not happy with Jurgen's recent remarks and made sure to respond.

Chelsea are yet to kick off their 2020/21 Premier League campaign but coach Frank Lampard has already gotten involved in an exchange of words with Jurgen Klopp, following a heated encounter between the pair from last seaon.

The Blues boss was asked for his thoughts on recent remarks made by the Liverpool manager regarding the London giants' spending spree. Despite winning the UEFA Champions League and Premier League in succession, the Reds have not spent much in the transfer market to strengthen their squad. This is in direct contract with Chelsea, having splashed $258M so far on the likes of Werner, Ziyech, Havertz, and Chilwell.

"We live in a world with a lot of uncertainty. For some clubs it seems to be less important how uncertain the future is — owned by countries, owned by oligarchs, that's the truth," was Klopp's dig, referencing mega-rich Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

"We're a different kind of club. We got to the Champions League final two years ago, we won it last year, and became Premier League champions last season by being the club we are, by being led the way we are led. We cannot just change it overnight and say, 'So now we want to behave like Chelsea, now they've signed a lot of players'."

Speaking ahead of Monday's clash with Brighton, Lampard made sure to touch on this issue. While the Stamford Bridge boss opted for diplomatic choice of words unlike their Anfield bust-up from late last season, the Englishman did not shy away from hitting back at his counterpart. The former midfielder was quick to call out -- in his view -- Jurgen's hypocrisy, pointing to the likes of Van Dijk, Alisson, Fabinho, Keita, and Salah; players who made the Merseyside giants the kings of England but also ones that costed hefty fees.

"The reality is — other than maybe Leicester, which was an incredible story — most clubs that win the League in the modern day have recruited well and have recruited at quite a high level money-wise," Lampard stated, as per the Daily Mail.

"You can go through the Liverpool players — Van Dijk, Alisson, Fabinho, Keita, Mane, Salah. Incredible players that came at a very high price. Liverpool have done it over a period of time.

"What we have done is come off the back of a ban and probably try to address the situation to help improve us. We know that Liverpool have spent at a high level. We know they have an incredible coach. We know they have incredible players. The really smart thing Liverpool have done is believe in their coach and believe in their system for a number of years. It's a great story but it's a story where they've spent money on players."

One reason why Lampard's response is interesting is because fans won't have to wait long to see him cross paths with Klopp in the dugout. Chelsea will be taking on the defending champions on Matchday 2, with the Merseyside giants' visit to Stamford Bridge being only five days away.

After Liverpool's opening day performance vs Leeds, the Blues will fancy their odds against Van Dijk and Co. The question is whether the likes of Havert, Werner, Kovacic, and Pulisic will click in time. Their showdown with Brighton will give us a glimpse of what may come this season.