“Ego driven” – Turkey boss fires shots back at Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after UEFA Nations League comment

Turkey national team boss Mircea Lucescu has fired back at Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds manager recently slammed the UEFA Nations League which was introduced this season.

Klopp is unhappy with his players being taken away to play in ‘the most senseless competition in the world’.

“If somebody would have told me after eight matchdays you have 20 points, I would say with that fixture list, ‘I’ll buy it, let’s start with the ninth matchday!’,” Klopp told reporters after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City.

“The boys, unfortunately, go away again now and have to play Nations League games – the most senseless competition in the world of football!

“We hope that they come back healthy and play these easy competitions, the Premier League, the Champions League and all this.

“It’s tough times for the boys, eh? We have to start thinking about the players.”

However, Lucescu hit back at Klopp and reiterated the importance of international football.

The Romanian tactician believes Klopp could change his mind in the future if he manages a national side.

“When Klopp manages a national side I believe he will change his mind,” Lucescu told reporters.

“National sides should continue to play competitive games. His statement is ego driven.”

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Turkey were held to a 0-0 draw by Bosnia on Thrusday evening. Lucescu’s side takes on Russia in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night.