Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita after Liverpool were held to a 1-1 Premier League draw by Tottenham at Anfield on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Reuters
Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita after Liverpool were held to a 1-1 Premier League draw by Tottenham at Anfield on Saturday, May 7, 2022. Reuters
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane on the ball during the Premier League match against Liverpool. PA
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane on the ball during the Premier League match against Liverpool. PA
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool dejected following the Premier League match against Tottenham. Getty
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool dejected following the Premier League match against Tottenham. Getty
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris catches the ball during the Premier League match against Liverpool. AFP
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris catches the ball during the Premier League match against Liverpool. AFP
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, right, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal against Liverpool. AP
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, right, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal against Liverpool. AP
Tottenham players and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the match. AP
Tottenham players and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the match. AP
Son Heung-min celebrates scoring Tottenham's first goal with Harry Kane. Reuters
Son Heung-min celebrates scoring Tottenham's first goal with Harry Kane. Reuters
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz celebrates after scoring against Tottenham. AFP
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz celebrates after scoring against Tottenham. AFP
Son Heung-Min celebrates after scoring Tottenham's opening goal against Liverpool. AFP
Son Heung-Min celebrates after scoring Tottenham's opening goal against Liverpool. AFP
Tottenham defender Ben Davies blocks a shot from Mohamed Salah. Getty
Tottenham defender Ben Davies blocks a shot from Mohamed Salah. Getty
Luis Diaz scores Liverpool's opening goal against Tottenham. AP
Luis Diaz scores Liverpool's opening goal against Tottenham. AP
Luis Diaz, left, celebrates after scoring Liverpool's opening goal againstTottenham. AP
Luis Diaz, left, celebrates after scoring Liverpool's opening goal againstTottenham. AP
Son Heung-Min celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Tottenham's opening goal against Liverpool. AFP
Son Heung-Min celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring Tottenham's opening goal against Liverpool. AFP
Son Heung-Min begins to celebrate after scoring the opening goal against Liverpool. AFP
Son Heung-Min begins to celebrate after scoring the opening goal against Liverpool. AFP

Sport

Football

Conte accuses Klopp of looking for 'excuse or an alibi' after criticism of Spurs

Tottenham manager hits back at Liverpool counterpart following comments made after draw at Anfield

The National

May 10, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Antonio Conte has hit back at Jurgen Klopp for the German's comments about Tottenham Hotspur's style of play on Saturday.

Title-chasing Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Spurs, a result that allowed Manchester City to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to three points after their 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle United on Sunday.

Klopp took aim at Spurs' tactics after the match at Anfield, saying: “I don’t like this kind of football, but that is my problem. I cannot coach it.” He has since backtracked, admitting he should not have made the comments but that "they felt good in the moment" after dropping two vital points.

But Conte has now dismissed the criticism as the German looking for "excuse or an alibi" after a frustrating draw. “Jurgen is an intelligent person, very clever,” the Italian coach said.

“He was a bit frustrated after the game, but at the same time for every coach it is important to learn to be focused on your team, not the opponent. It means you want to find an excuse or an alibi because your job didn’t work or something was wrong.

“I have respect for Jurgen and I know he respects me a lot and this is a good chance for him and me to learn that during the game you never have to speak about your opponent. It is important to be focused on your team.

“Honestly, for the coach it is not simple after the game, you have to try to keep your head cool.

“Sometimes it is not easy and many times if you remember this season I was disappointed with the result and myself and my players.

“When we lost against Burnley [1-0 at Turf Moor in February] if you remember I gave to myself the fault of the defeat. Sometimes we are a bit frustrated, especially at the end of the season when a bad result can change an important target for you.”

Apart from damaging Liverpool's title prospects, the draw also hurt Tottenham's hopes of finishing in the top four and securing a Champions League place next season.

Liverpool 1 Tottenham 1: player ratings

LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian had very little to do. His defenders left him exposed for Tottenham’s goal. Getty
LIVERPOOL PLAYER RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian had very little to do. His defenders left him exposed for Tottenham’s goal. Getty
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 5. The 23-year-old had plenty of possession in dangerous areas but his crossing was too often overhit. He had switched flanks before the Spurs goal and might have got closer to Kane in the build up. PA
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 5. The 23-year-old had plenty of possession in dangerous areas but his crossing was too often overhit. He had switched flanks before the Spurs goal and might have got closer to Kane in the build up. PA
Ibrahima Konate - 6. The Frenchman did well in the air and kept things straightforward on the ground. He was pulled out of position by Kane for the goal. EPA
Ibrahima Konate - 6. The Frenchman did well in the air and kept things straightforward on the ground. He was pulled out of position by Kane for the goal. EPA
Virgil van Dijk - 6. The Dutchman should have followed Kane deeper while the ball was in the air before Tottenham’s goal. He hit the top of the bar with a header from a corner. Getty
Virgil van Dijk - 6. The Dutchman should have followed Kane deeper while the ball was in the air before Tottenham’s goal. He hit the top of the bar with a header from a corner. Getty
Andrew Robertson - 5. The Scot was in the right back position when Spurs scored and tracked and lost Son. His crossing was ineffective and Tsimikas replaced him in the 64th minute. AP
Andrew Robertson - 5. The Scot was in the right back position when Spurs scored and tracked and lost Son. His crossing was ineffective and Tsimikas replaced him in the 64th minute. AP
Fabinho - 6. The Brazilian was in charge in midfield in the first half but was less effective when Tottenham bypassed him after the break. Withdrawn for Keita with 12 minutes to go. AP
Fabinho - 6. The Brazilian was in charge in midfield in the first half but was less effective when Tottenham bypassed him after the break. Withdrawn for Keita with 12 minutes to go. AP
Thiago Alcantara - 6. The 31-year-old did enough of his trademark stylish passing to catch the eye but rarely looked like unlocking the defence. The killer ball did not happen. AFP
Thiago Alcantara - 6. The 31-year-old did enough of his trademark stylish passing to catch the eye but rarely looked like unlocking the defence. The killer ball did not happen. AFP
Jordan Henderson - 6. The captain pressed hard and made himself available for the ball but contributed little going forward. He made way for Jota after 55 minutes. Reuters
Jordan Henderson - 6. The captain pressed hard and made himself available for the ball but contributed little going forward. He made way for Jota after 55 minutes. Reuters
Sadio Mane - 6. The Senegalese chased down ballcarriers and led the press but found it hard to open up the defence. Reuters
Sadio Mane - 6. The Senegalese chased down ballcarriers and led the press but found it hard to open up the defence. Reuters
Mohamed Salah - 6. The Egyptian had a frustrating night as Spurs doubled up on him. Davies got in the way of his best effort on goal. EPA
Mohamed Salah - 6. The Egyptian had a frustrating night as Spurs doubled up on him. Davies got in the way of his best effort on goal. EPA
Luis Diaz - 7. The Colombian was his side’s best attacker. He worried Lloris with a first-half shot and scored the equaliser with a deflected effort. AFP
Luis Diaz - 7. The Colombian was his side’s best attacker. He worried Lloris with a first-half shot and scored the equaliser with a deflected effort. AFP
SUBS: Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson 64') - 5. His distribution and crossing were disappointing. Reuters
SUBS: Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson 64') - 5. His distribution and crossing were disappointing. Reuters
Diogo Jota (Henderson 65') - 4. The Portuguese never really got going and hardly threatened. Getty
Diogo Jota (Henderson 65') - 4. The Portuguese never really got going and hardly threatened. Getty
Naby Keita (Fabinho 78') - 5. The Guinean was unable to change the course of the game. AP
Naby Keita (Fabinho 78') - 5. The Guinean was unable to change the course of the game. AP
TOTTENHAM PLAYER RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 7. The Frenchman made two good saves in the first half but had less work than he might have expected. He could do nothing about Liverpool’s deflected goal. AFP
TOTTENHAM PLAYER RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 7. The Frenchman made two good saves in the first half but had less work than he might have expected. He could do nothing about Liverpool’s deflected goal. AFP
Cristian Romero - 7. The Argentine was impressive in the air. His blocks and tackles killed off plenty of danger in an aggressive display. AP
Cristian Romero - 7. The Argentine was impressive in the air. His blocks and tackles killed off plenty of danger in an aggressive display. AP
Eric Dier - 8. The 28-year-old gave a commanding performance at the centre of the defence. He led the way in keeping the opposition at bay. EPA
Eric Dier - 8. The 28-year-old gave a commanding performance at the centre of the defence. He led the way in keeping the opposition at bay. EPA
Ben Davies - 8. The Welshman’s flying interception of Salah’s shot was the highlight of a fine effort. He put his body on the line to protect the goal. Getty
Ben Davies - 8. The Welshman’s flying interception of Salah’s shot was the highlight of a fine effort. He put his body on the line to protect the goal. Getty
Emerson Royal - 7. The Brazilian had his hands full against Diaz but held his own. He started the move that led to Tottenham’s goal. EPA
Emerson Royal - 7. The Brazilian had his hands full against Diaz but held his own. He started the move that led to Tottenham’s goal. EPA
Rodrigo Bentancur - 6. The Uruguayan was outmatched in the first half but was better after the break. He was unfortunate to deflect Diaz’s shot into the net. AP
Rodrigo Bentancur - 6. The Uruguayan was outmatched in the first half but was better after the break. He was unfortunate to deflect Diaz’s shot into the net. AP
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 7. The Dane hit the post before half time but should have done better with a free header in the box in the second period, when he tried to pick out Kane rather than going for goal. AP
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - 7. The Dane hit the post before half time but should have done better with a free header in the box in the second period, when he tried to pick out Kane rather than going for goal. AP
Ryan Sessegnon - 7. The 21-year-old had a difficult start but got better. He found space in the Liverpool area and picked out Son for the opening goal. Sanchez replaced him with 12 minutes to go. AFP
Ryan Sessegnon - 7. The 21-year-old had a difficult start but got better. He found space in the Liverpool area and picked out Son for the opening goal. Sanchez replaced him with 12 minutes to go. AFP
Dejan Kulusevski - 6. The Swede looked to break quickly and showed some nice touches but needed more end product. He faded and made way for Winks with five minutes left. Getty
Dejan Kulusevski - 6. The Swede looked to break quickly and showed some nice touches but needed more end product. He faded and made way for Winks with five minutes left. Getty
Harry Kane - 7. The 28-year-old dragged the defence all over the place in the lead up to his side’s goal. He was not at his goalscoring best but he played an important role for his side. PA
Harry Kane - 7. The 28-year-old dragged the defence all over the place in the lead up to his side’s goal. He was not at his goalscoring best but he played an important role for his side. PA
Son Heung-min - 7. The South Korean was a constant worry for Liverpool with his movement. He was unmarked when he scored. Bergwijn came on for him in stoppage time. AFP
Son Heung-min - 7. The South Korean was a constant worry for Liverpool with his movement. He was unmarked when he scored. Bergwijn came on for him in stoppage time. AFP
SUBS: Davinson Sanchez (Sessegnon 78') - N/A. The Colombian helped secure the point for Tottenham. Reuters
SUBS: Davinson Sanchez (Sessegnon 78') - N/A. The Colombian helped secure the point for Tottenham. Reuters
Harry Winks (Kulusevski 85') - 6. The 26-year-old provided a cross for Hojbjerg that should have led to a goal. PA
Harry Winks (Kulusevski 85') - 6. The 26-year-old provided a cross for Hojbjerg that should have led to a goal. PA
Steven Bergwijn (Son 90'+1) - N/A. The Dutchman worked hard during his limited moments on the pitch. AP
Steven Bergwijn (Son 90'+1) - N/A. The Dutchman worked hard during his limited moments on the pitch. AP

Fourth-place Arsenal defeated Leeds United 2-1 on Sunday to open up a four-point gap on Tottenham, ahead of the teams' North London derby clash on Thursday.

If Mikel Arteta's team win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, then they will have secured a top-four finish. After the game on Thursday night, Spurs are back in action at 12pm (UK time) on Sunday against Burnley – the shortest turnaround possible.

The game was originally due to be played in January, but Arsenal asked for the game to be called off due to a shortage of players – a decision which led to changing of Premier League rules after it emerged they only had one Covid case.

And Conte also appeared the criticise his own club for not questioning the fixture's timing. “If I complain about it, I’m like other coaches in the past,” he said. “You remember when Arteta complained about this type of situation and I said coaches shouldn’t complain.

“Now could be my turn to complain because to play on Thursday night and then again the first game [on Sunday], you could play on Sunday and wait and give us the last game and a bit more rest.

“It’s difficult sometimes to accept Premier League decisions, but if the club accepted it, I have to. A top club have to pay attention to the fixtures.

“Before the game you don’t think this situation can cause you this type of trouble, but afterwards you realise it could affect the result and you are angry and it’s too late.

“You need to be angry before. The club has to pay more attention. If you want to win you have to take care about all the details because the details move the final result."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with Antonio Conte after the match at Anfield. AFP
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with Antonio Conte after the match at Anfield. AFP
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group 1 (PA) US$75,000 (Dirt) 1,900m

Winner: Ziyadd, Richard Mullen (jockey), Jean de Roualle (trainer).

7.05pm: Al Rashidiya Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (Turf) 1,800m

Winner: Barney Roy, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.

7.40pm: Meydan Cup Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,810m

Winner: Secret Advisor, Tadhg O’Shea, Charlie Appleby.

8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner: Plata O Plomo, Carlos Lopez, Susanne Berneklint.

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m

Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass.

9.25pm: Al Shindagha Sprint Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner: Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 0

Manchester City 2

Bernardo Silva 54', Sane 66'

ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY

Starting at 10am:

Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang

Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)

Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)

Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera 

Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas

MATCH INFO

Liverpool 3

Sadio Man 28'

Andrew Robertson 34'

Diogo Jota 88'

Arsenal 1

Lacazette 25'

Man of the match

Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

While you're here
While you're here
On Women's Day
How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
if you go
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio

Date of birth: April 18, 1998

Playing position: Winger

Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda

A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
  • 2018: Formal work begins
  • November 2021: First 17 volumes launched 
  • November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
  • October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
  • November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
RESULTS

6.30pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Final Song, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).

7.05pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m

Winner Almanaara, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.

7.40pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m

Winner Grand Argentier, Brett Doyle, Doug Watson.

8.15pm Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Major Partnership, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.

8.50pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.

9.25pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m

Winner Universal Order, Richard Mullen, David Simcock.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

More from this package
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

The distance learning plan

Spring break will be from March 8 - 19

Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm

Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19

Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning

Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5

ASIAN%20RUGBY%20CHAMPIONSHIP%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EResults%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EHong%20Kong%2052-5%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESouth%20Korea%2055-5%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EMalaysia%206-70%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3EUAE%2036-32%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%2021%2C%207.30pm%20kick-off%3A%20UAE%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EAt%20The%20Sevens%2C%20Dubai%20(admission%20is%20free).%3Cbr%3ESaturday%3A%20Hong%20Kong%20v%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: May 10, 2022, 3:57 PM`
Premier LeagueLiverpoolTottenham Hotspur