"He loves all people" – Klopp defends Nmecha after chat over controversial celebration

After their personal discussion, Jürgen Klopp is of the opinion that Felix Nmecha holds no I'll feeling towards any member of society following his controversial crown celebration. 

“Yes, that was a major topic of discussion. Perhaps we should briefly go back,” he said at today's press conference, regarding Nmecha's celebration which was linked with a group that holds anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs. 

"I watched football last weekend and saw Felix score two wonderful goals. I also saw his goal celebration. First the celebration itself, and then the gesture, as we'll call it.

"I honestly didn't think anything of it. Then all the discussions started. Perhaps that was down to my ignorance or whatever, but I didn't think anything of it initially.

"Then, as the debate gathered pace, I started looking into it and trying to inform myself. It was clear to me that I would, of course, want to speak to Felix as soon as we met, because I consider that the most important thing

“I've known Felix Nmecha for a few months now, I would say. He's an exceptionally friendly, warm and open young man who, whenever he's around us, radiates nothing but positive energy,” Klopp said.

Regarding the interaction that would follow, Klopp revealed that it was difficult for him to approach. He was well aware of the traction it was getting in the media too. 

"I said to him: “Right, this is the situation, and this is what's being discussed as a result of it. What are we going to do about it? People are asking me what I should say.”

"I then confronted him with everything that you would probably have confronted him with as well: what some people out there might think. To be clear, I'm not one of those people, but some people do think that way.

"And he said: "It has absolutely nothing to do with that. He loves all people and doesn't discriminate against anyone." - For me, that settled the most important part of the matter. 

"Then I asked him: "What about the goal celebration? How are we going to handle that? Your message, as you've explained it to me, is a very positive one. But out there, it's being interpreted in a particular way.

"So what do we do about that?" - He said: "Well, I won't do that anymore." And that's why he won't celebrate like that again. But let me reiterate: he wasn't trying to convey any message beyond his own personal one.

“His message is that he lays the crown at Jesus' feet. That's all it means to him. There is no further message or hidden meaning behind it. And with that, I was satisfied,” Klopp summarized.