Jose Mourinho claims he was forced into taking off Giovani Lo Celso last night

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Jose Mourinho has claimed he was forced into taking off Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in the 58th minute due to the pressure coming from the Liverpool bench.

The Portuguese has had plenty to say after his side were beaten for only the second time in the Premier League this season last night.

The Reds ran out 2-1 winners at Anfield to extend their unbeaten run at home in the league to 66 games.

Immediately after the game, Mourinho suggested he was unhappy with Jurgen Klopp’s behaviour on the touchline.

And it appears that’s a narrative he is sticking by.

Explaining why he took off Lo Celso before the hour-mark, he said (via Daily Mail): “With this yellow card and the behaviour of these guys they have on the touchline, putting incredible pressure on referees I feared for a possible second yellow card.

“And Gio was playing exactly in front of their bench in an area that was very dangerous. So I was afraid of the yellow card and I had to take him off.”

Lo Celso was replaced by Lucas Moura, but the Brazilian was unable to help Spurs find a winner of their own.

TBR’s View – Deflection tactics from Mourinho?

This is more than likely a way of Mourinho attempting to deflect the attention away from a high-profile defeat.

It’s something that has often been seen from The Special One during his time in English football.

Fans are focusing on the drama he is creating as opposed to the shortcomings of his team on the night – or at least that is what the intention probably is.

Realistically, it is commonplace in football for benches to gesticulate wildly when opposition players are on yellow cards – it is just something that is part of the game.